Diabetes in people with Down syndrome

Genetic and islet autoimmune mechanisms contribute to the significantly increased risk of type 1 diabetes in people with Down syndrome.

Premature ageing, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to a higher incidence of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in people with Down syndrome.

For general diabetes screening advice, see Classifying, diagnosing and screening for diabetes.

For people over 30 years of age with Down syndrome, screen for type 2 diabetes every 3 years using glycated haemoglobin or fasting plasma glucose levels, even if asymptomatic. For adults with comorbid obesity and Down syndrome, screening should be performed every 2 to 3 years from age 21 years.

Alert people with Down syndrome and their carers or support workers to the symptoms of diabetes.

For diabetes management considerations in people with developmental disability, see Diabetes in people with developmental disability. For general diabetes management, see Principles of management of diabetes.