In the News

CDC Quotes Special Olympics Chief Health Officer in Diabetes Resources for People with Disabilities

Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH, explains why people with intellectual disabilities have a higher risk of diabetes than the general population and how Special Olympics is addressing that gap.
A Special Olympics athlete trains to be a Health Messenger, an athlete who serves as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role models within their Special Olympics community.
A Special Olympics athlete trains to be a Health Messenger, an athlete who serves as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role models within their Special Olympics community.

The following is an excerpt from the article titled Disability and Diabetes Prevention that was originally posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC took the opportunity to post specific health resources about diabetes for people with disabilities during November, National Diabetes Month.

“People with intellectual disabilities (ID) receive fewer diabetes exams and less diabetes care than those without disabilities and the prevalence of diabetes among people with ID is 1.5 times the rate of the general population. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and the disparity for people with ID can be addressed. At Special Olympics, we are working towards inclusive health for all by eliminating these health disparities through our fitness and wellness programming.”
Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH Special Olympics Chief Health Officer

Special Olympics Health is supported by cooperative agreement #NU27DD001156 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents of this page are the responsibility of Special Olympics and do not necessarily represent the views of CDC.

HealthInclusive HealthPreventionDr. Alicia BazzanoU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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