Whether or not you are familiar with the term, if you have diabetes, chances are you have experienced diabetes stigma. A 2021 Diabetes Australia report found that over 80 per cent of people living with diabetes will have experienced it at some point in their lives. So, what exactly is diabetes stigma, and what can you do if faced with it?
What is diabetes stigma?
Stigma is defined as a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something. With diabetes stigma, that something' is diabetes.
Stigma can be based on negative attitudes, prejudice, or a lack of understanding. When it comes to diabetes, this can result in a lack of support or empathy for a person or people living with diabetes, along with stereotyping, exclusion, rejection and/or discrimination. Diabetes stigma can be experienced in personal relationships, the workplace, and in social situations.
Our language matters
One way to reduce stigma is through the language we use. With this in mind, Diabetes Australia has developed a position statement on language use when communicating with and about people with diabetes. While the position statement is aimed at people working in healthcare, the media, government and policy, academia, industry, employers and the community, it may also be helpful for family and friends of people with diabetes. You can find a copy of the position statement (Our Language Matters: improving communication with and about people with diabetes) on the Diabetes Australia website: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/ research-advocacy/ position-statements/
People with diabetes may experience stigma in many ways, including:
being blamed for causing their diabetes or diabetes-related complications
being judged for example, when eating certain foods being shamed for giving insulin or checking blood glucose levels in public
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A whole new world
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
Fantastic Feta
This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.
