The Bermuda Diabetes Association is launching an awareness campaign to shed light on the stigma surrounding diabetes. Diabetes stigma is a widespread issue that affects people living with diabetes in many ways, often leading to negative health outcomes and emotional distress. Our campaign seeks to educate, inform and inspire action to reduce stigmatising actions and create a more supportive environment for all.
Call To Action
No one should feel ashamed about having diabetes or let anything stop them from seeking treatment or managing the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) defines diabetes stigma as negative attitudes, judgement, discrimination or prejudice against someone because they have diabetes. It comes from the false idea that people with diabetes made unhealthy food and lifestyle choices, which resulted in their diagnosis.
Different people can experience diabetes stigma in different ways, and its effect can range from mild to severe. Some people might feel excluded, rejected or prejudiced against. They might also feel blame, shame or guilt for their condition. Diabetes stigma is not always obvious. It can manifest in many forms, and can occur at home, at school, at the workplace and in healthcare environments. Even internal misconceptions like“it’s their own fault” or casual comments such as “should you be eating that” can cause feelings of shame and humiliation. How we think about diabetes can affect how we behave towards people who are living with it.
We may think our language is harmless or well-intentioned, but it may not come across that way to the person concerned. When a person living with diabetes perceives judgement or dismissiveness in our words or behaviour, it can be discouraging. Stigma and discrimination can cause feelings of:
Because of this, people with diabetes may avoid talking about their diabetes concerns or even avoid seeking medical help for fear of further judgement. Their ability to self-manage diabetes might also be impacted. Diabetes U.K. has alarmingly noted that more than 50% of people who experience diabetes-related stigma avoid medical appointments, further jeopardising their health.
As a result, those who experience stigma are at greater risk of developing serious complications. Their health may be actively harmed by language that may have seemed harmless. And this stigma affects more than just those who have diabetes: it also impacts those around them. For instance, people who believe that individuals are responsible for their diabetes diagnosis might shift blame ontothe parents of children with diabetes.
Though diabetes stigma has many root causes, the primary one is a lack of understanding of the condition. Many people incorrectly believe that diabetes is solely the result of poor lifestyle choices. Because of this, they blame individuals with diabetes for their own diagnoses.
However, there are so many factors that can contribute to a person having diabetes which are simply outside of their control, including genetics, the environment, aging, and even socioeconomic status. If we would not blame someone for their genetics, why would we blame them for having diabetes?
Other causes of diabetes stigma include negative perceptions about obesity, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes, and misunderstandings about the use of diabetes management technologies and dietary habits.
Tackling diabetes stigma requires a collective effort to change how we talk and think about diabetes. Everyone can play a role in reducing diabetes stigma by fostering a more informed and supportive environment. Here are some ways you can help reduce diabetes stigma for your friends, family and wider community:
If you experience severe emotional distress because of diabetes-related stigma:
Misconceptions about diabetes are deeply ingrained in society, and addressing stigma requires an ongoing effort. By examining our biases and promoting an inclusive and supportive environment, we can reduce the blame and shame often associated with diabetes. Let's work together to support people with diabetes, enabling them to live healthier, happier lives!
Test your knowledge about diabetes stigma by taking our Labels Campaign Educational Quiz. It's a fun and engaging way to learn more about how stigma affects people with diabetes—and how you can make a difference.
Bonus: By participating, you’ll be entered for a chance to win two return tickets donated by BermudAir! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and maybe even win a fantastic prize.