A new survey has revealed the significant blame and stigma that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can face in the UK.
The first-of-its-kind Diabetes UK survey found that 86% of people with type 1 diabetes and 75% of people with type 2 diabetes experience judgement for their condition.
The survey is the first UK version of the Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale – a self-report that measures ‘perceived and experienced stigma’ linked to living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Related Article: Wash hands to protect against rise in E.coli infection in young children
The survey was conducted by YouGov and is based on responses from 1,608 adults living with diabetes in the UK – including 8% of respondents who had type 1 diabetes and 92% who had type 2 diabetes.
Results showed that 55% of people with type 1 diabetes agreed that some people think they need insulin because they ‘can’t look after themselves’.
The survey also discovered that 53% of people with type 2 diabetes agree that there is a negative stigma around the condition being inaccurately labelled a ‘lifestyle disease’.
Diabetes UK said stigma around the condition follows from misconceptions and misunderstandings on the causes of diabetes, as well as the day-to-day reality of living with the condition.
The charity warned that feeling blamed or judged for having diabetes can have major impacts on individuals physical and mental wellbeing.
Related Article: Better sleep could help reduce risk of self-harm in teenagers
Stigma can also see some people avoid attending healthcare appointments, it added.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: ‘Diabetes is serious, and as well as managing a relentless condition, far too many people are also dealing with blame and judgement. No one should feel judged for their diagnosis.
‘We must challenge the harmful myths and misconceptions that fuel this stigma and work together to create a society that offers understanding and support, not shaming and stereotyping.’
Related Article: Period pain and heavy bleeding negatively impact school grades
The charity urged healthcare professionals, friends and family to increase their understanding of what it is like to live with diabetes and called for more research to be done in this area.
This week, new draft NICE guidelines proposed patients be given earlier access to newer type 2 diabetes treatments to help reduce health inequalities and provide better outcomes.