Colette Marshall
Chief Executive, Diabetes UK
Negative attitudes and false assumptions still surround diabetes. Learn how stigma damages confidence and health.
Diabetes is a serious and complex medical condition with over 12 million peoplein the UK now living with diabetes or pre-type 2 diabetes.1 Yet, for far too many people, managing their physical health is only part of their challenge.
The hidden challenges of living with diabetes
Too many people tell us they deal with harmful stigma. Diabetes stigmas are the negative attitudes and false assumptions people make about those living with, or at risk of, diabetes. They arise from misunderstandings of the causes, management and realities of diabetes.
Diabetes UK research found that almost 9 in 10 people (86%) with type 1 diabetes and three-quarters of those with type 2 diabetes said they experience blame and judgment in their daily lives because they have diabetes.
people with all types, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes,
report being misunderstood and unfairly judged.
How diabetes stigma manifests in society
Stigma doesn’t just affect one type of diabetes — people with all types, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, report being misunderstood and unfairly judged. This takes many forms, from reactions when having to inject insulin, facing judgment over food choices or being seen as someone to blame for their health condition. And it can come from anywhere, from friends and family, colleagues or even from healthcare professionals and others living with diabetes.
What’s worse, these stereotypes are often believed by people living with diabetes, and those who internalise stigma are more likely to report symptoms of depression, diabetes distress and low self-esteem. Stigma can also lead to people not engaging with their healthcare teams, which is vital to help reduce the risk of developing serious diabetes-related complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and sight loss.
This World Diabetes Day, Diabetes UK is calling time on shaming, stereotyping and misinformation with the launch of our Strike Out Stigma campaign. Everyone, whether they live with diabetes or not, has a role to play. Words and attitudes matter. We need education, not assumptions; empathy and understanding, not judgment. We won’t stop until every person living with diabetes receives the respect, care and support they deserve. Together, we can build a society that sees the person, not just the condition.
[1] Diabetes UK. How many people in the UK have diabetes? Retrieved from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/about-the-charity/our-strategy/statistics
For more information about how you can get involved in the campaign, or for support if you’re experiencing diabetes stigma, visit the Diabetes UK website at diabetes.org.uk.
