Problems for Diabetics in Jail

Diabetes is a serious medical disease affecting more than 11% of the U.S. population, and about 9% of those who are incarcerated. While it is highly treatable, managing the condition while in jail can be very challenging, and sometimes deadly.

Problems faced by Diabetics

Both serious complications from untreated diabetes and less than optimal medical care can be harmful to inmates. And unfortunately, research shows that minimal standards of care for diabetic inmates is not always provided. Some challenges inmates experience can include:

Hypoglycemic emergencies that can be mistaken for noncompliance, intoxication or mental health episodes
Inadequate care complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular issues, limb loss etc.
Lack of access to insulin, and poor care coordination
Increased likelihood of wounds, skin problems and infections
Inconsistent access to proper food and nutrition
Delays in care or treatment and access to medical staff

Unfortunately, there are also many examples where inmates have died from diabetes or complications while incarcerated. Some of these include:

12 died in Georgia after being denied medications or help
An inmate didn’t take their prescribed medication, and was noticed to “lack the strength to get up from her bed” but was isolated in detainment instead of being sent to a medical facility
After calling out for help and requesting assistance, an inmates’ pleas were ignored
An inmate filed a complaint noting he didn’t have the funds to afford the diabetes supplies he needed

Diabetes Management in Jail

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) routinely emphasizes how important proper diabetes care is. Noting that those in jail experience different challenges in receiving diabetic care, they released a number of guidelines and recommendations to improve care standards.

Timely identification or diagnosis of diabetes treatment needs and continuity of care. At reception/intake, during transfers and upon discharge

Nutrition and physical activity

Timely access to diabetes management tools. Insulin, blood glucose monitoring, tracking data, current diabetes management technologies etc.

Treatment of the whole person. Education on self-management, mental health care support, monitoring and addressing long-term complications, access to specialty care etc.

–ADA Statement from the Professional Practice Committee (December 2023)

While these all seem like common sense solutions or basic standards of medical care, inmates are not routinely being provided with proper diabetic care which leads to the necessity of statements and recommendations like these.

Accommodations for Diabetics

The changes needed by facilities to address these recommendations are generally low cost and not hard to achieve. Some potential changes facilities can consider or implement include:

Changes to meal times or providing midday snacks
Special dietary plans and access to specific foods
Policies in place for better identification and management of diabetics
Increased training for staff on the recognition of signs and symptoms
Access to diabetic care supplies
Increased access to medical services for wound care and monitoring
Use of special equipment like insulin pumps, or compression socks and specialized shoes to minimize complications

Importantly, what costs or burdens do exist for managing diabetes in jail far outweigh the costs associated with complications or other negative effects from a lack of diabetic care.

In the end, it is important to remember that proper diabetic care is a right afforded to those who are incarcerated. And that both diabetic complications and deaths can be preventable.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our article on the legal rights of detainees and prisoners with diabetes. And if you or a loved one has experienced challenges with receiving proper diabetic care while in jail, consider reaching out to one of our experienced attorneys.

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