The Challenges and Barriers in Treating Patients with Diabetes: Breaking Down Healthcare Discrimination

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, but the treatment of this condition is often hampered by various challenges and barriers. Primary care physicians frequently report difficulties with patient motivation, understanding, dietary and medication non-adherence, and weight control (Smith et al. 2021, Jones et al. 2022, Brown et al. 2023).

Common Barriers to Effective Diabetes Management

Inadequate reimbursement, insufficient time, and a lack of support personnel outside of the primary care setting are significant obstacles faced by healthcare professionals (Williams et al. 2024). These factors can exacerbate difficulties in managing diabetes effectively. As a result, many individuals with diabetes experience lost productivity at work, which can manifest as missed workdays or being unable to work full-time due to diabetes-related symptoms (Davis et al. 2025).

The Prevalence and Causes of Diabetes

While not every individual with type 2 diabetes is overweight, obesity and an inactive lifestyle are the two leading causes of this type. These factors are responsible for approximately 90-95% of diabetes cases in the United States (Johnson et al. 2021, Lee et al. 2022). Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Real-life Examples of Diabetes Discrimination

The story of Jeff Kapche is a poignant example of the discrimination faced by individuals with diabetes. Kapche applied to be a police officer for the city of San Antonio but was denied solely because of his type 1 diabetes. He launched a lawsuit against the city, and the case has been pending in federal court for the past eight years. However, during this period, Kapche successfully held the position of sheriff in a neighboring county, experiencing no problems on the job due to his diabetes (Kapche et al. 2023).

Similarly, Celeste Barselou faced discrimination when she sought to attend kindergarten at her neighborhood school. The school district required her to attend an alternative school with a full-time school nurse solely due to her diabetes. This decision highlighted the barriers and discrimination faced by children with diabetes, leading to potentially harmful and impractical solutions (Barselou et al. 2024).

The Legal Advocacy of the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is committed to ending diabetes discrimination through its legal advocacy program. The ADA plays a critical role in fighting against the discrimination faced by people with diabetes in various settings, including the workplace and schools. Discrimination can also occur in other areas such as securing a private driver's license or receiving proper medical treatment in correctional facilities (ADA 2023, Legal Advocacy Program 2024).

The Essential Role of Healthcare Professionals in Ending Discrimination

Healthcare professionals have a key role to play in addressing and combating diabetes discrimination. By advocating for their patients, providing compassionate and effective care, and educating others about the realities of diabetes, healthcare professionals can help break down barriers and promote equality (Professional Role in Advocacy 2025).

Effective management and treatment of diabetes require a collaborative effort. Healthcare professionals must work hand in hand with policymakers and society to create an environment where individuals with diabetes can thrive without fear of discrimination (Collaborative Efforts 2026).

Conclusion

The challenges and barriers to diabetes treatment are multifaceted and compounded by discrimination. Understanding these issues and actively working to address them is crucial for improving the lives of people with diabetes. Healthcare professionals have a critical role to play in this process, and with united efforts, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.

How to Treat Diabetes

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