Clinical Trial: Diabetes Screening & Prevention for People With Learning (Intellectual) Disabilities:STOP Diabetes Study

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational




Official Title: Screening for Glucose Intolerance and Development of a Lifestyle Education Programme for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in a Population With Learning Disabilities

Brief Summary:

People with learning (intellectual) disabilities have more health problems than the rest of the population; they are less likely to access help and have lifestyles that may increase their risk of getting diabetes (for example, poor diet and lack of physical activity). People with learning disabilities may also be prescribed drugs or have certain medical conditions (such as Down's syndrome) which can make their chances of getting diabetes greater.

Diabetes is a long-term condition, which can cause damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and feet. Impaired glucose regulation happens when sugar levels in the blood are higher than normal but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. People with impaired glucose regulation are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and stroke in the future. If people with impaired glucose regulation make changes to their lifestyle (diet and exercise) they can prevent or delay getting diabetes.

The aim of this study is to screen people with learning disabilities for diabetes and impaired glucose regulation. The investigators also want to find out the best way to give people with learning disabilities some education around healthy lifestyles (for example, eating and exercise) to help with prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the investigators also aim to develop a lifestyle education programme that is suitable for use in this population and test whether it is feasible and acceptable.