I/DD is associated with chromosomal and non-chromosomal syndromes such as Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome, and these individuals have an increased risk of developing diabetes. It is estimated that 16.3% of adults with I/DD have diabetes. Compared with the general population, these individuals are also more likely to encounter diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), heart disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, stroke, or limb amputation.

There is evidence to support that having a neurodevelopmental disorder in and of itself is associated with poor glycemic control and a higher risk of diabetic complications. For instance, working with I/DD providers in 15 states, Elizabeth Shauen Howard, DHA, MSN, RN, EDS-C, vice president of clinical services and innovation with BrightSpring Health Services, said that 30% of the calls her team received were related to some sort of diabetic condition; and many of those were medication related. This included blood glucose that was above or below the dosing limitations for an oral or injectable medication and insulin dosing-related questions.