S10 - Healthcare Biases at the Intersection of Diabetes and Vision Loss

Saturday, August 9, 2025

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM MST

CE/CME Hours: .75 CE

This presentation examines the intersection of blindness and diabetes, highlighting the healthcare disparities faced by blind people with diabetes. It explores systemic, social, and environmental barriers that contribute to increased diabetes distress and poorer health outcomes. Key themes include the lack of disability competence among healthcare providers and ableism that impact trust and respect in medical settings. Recommendations focus on promoting accessibility, fostering patient-guided accommodations, and addressing implicit and explicit biases about blindness. By understanding the unique challenges faced by blind people with diabetes, healthcare professionals can adopt practices to provide equitable and effective care.

Disclosure(s):

Allyson Hughes, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose

Nazanin Heydarian, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose

Primary Presenter(s)

AH

Allyson Hughes, PhD

Assistant Professor
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Athens, Ohio

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Host(s)

Mayra Cantazaro, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES

Assistant Professor/ Family Nurse Practitioner
UTRGV School of Nursing/Valley Diabetes & Endocrinology Comprehensive Center (VDECC)
Edinburg, Texas

Disclosure information not submitted.