What is Diabetes Stigma?

Diabetes stigma is language or behaviour that conveys negative attitudes, judgement, discrimination or prejudice against someone because they have diabetes. It stems from the false idea that people have diabetes because of unhealthy food and lifestyle choices.  Experiencing diabetes stigma can contribute to negative health outcomes and emotional distress for people living with diabetes.

What is a Diabetes Ambassador?

A DiabetesAmbassador is someone who uses their voice to educate others about diabetes stigma. They promote greater understanding of diabetes as a health condition and the stigma that surrounds living with diabetes, and how stigma can harm people living with diabetes and negatively impact their health outcomes.

To help end stigmatising behaviours, ambassadors can:

• Educate others
• Serve as role models
• Share their experiences

‍No one should feel ashamed about their diabetes or letanything stop them from seeking treatment or managing the disease

How Can You Help Us Spread the Message?

As an Ambassador, you play a crucial role in amplifying our campaign’s message. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Be a Voice for Change:
  Use your platform and voice to raise awareness about diabetes stigma. Help people understand which words or actions are hurtful and why, and share suggestions on what they can say or do instead. Share your personal experiences and insights to help others recognise diabetes stigma and to understand its impact and why it important to address.
• Challenge Biases:
  Even when we mean well, unconscious biases around diabetes can seep into our language and behaviours. Help others rethink their unconscious biases about diabetes. Encourage open conversations and constructively challenge harmful stereotypes or judgements when you encounter them.
• Educate Our Community:
  Help others understand the realities of living with diabetes by sharing accurate information and debunking myths. The more people know, the more we can reduce misconceptions and negative biases!
• Engage With Others:
  Get involved in local events, online discussions and community initiatives that promote inclusion and understanding. Your presence and participation help build a more supportive and compassionate environment for those with diabetes.
• Empower and Encourage:
  Reach out to individuals who maybe struggling with diabetes in your family or community. Offer your support and encouragement, reminding them they are not alone and that they deserve understanding and respect.
• Promote the Labels Campaign:
  Our new public awareness campaign LABELS seeks to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes stigma. You can amplify this crucial information by sharing our campaign messages, videos and materials on social media and with your networks. The more people who hear and see our message, the greater the likelihood of creating lasting change.

Follow us and help spread the word on Facebook (@BermudaDiabetes), Instagram(@BermudaDiabetesAssociation), and LinkedIn (@Bermuda DiabetesAssociation).  And use the hashtags #EndDiabetesStigma, #UnderstandingDiabetes, #BDAEndStigma and #DiabetesAwareness.

‍

Why Your Role Matters

By becoming aDiabetes Anti-Stigma Ambassador, you are playing a crucial part in transforming societal attitudes towards diabetes while actively shaping a more compassionate and understanding community.

With your help, we will be able to:

• Raise awareness about diabetes stigma and its impact on individuals and families.
• Build a more supportive Bermuda where empathy and understanding replace judgement and exclusion.
• Break down barriers that prevent individuals from seeking care and support.
• Foster empathy through shared stories and experiences.
• Empower individuals who may feel isolated or judged.
• Improve health outcomes for people living with diabetes.  

Together, we have the power to change perceptions, break down barriers and create a world where everyone living with diabetes feels understood, supported and empowered.

"Together, we have the power to change perceptions, break down barriers, and create a world where everyone living with diabetes feels understood, supported, and empowered."

‍

‍