A key finding of a survey by Abbott to coincide with the release of a new film found that 80 per cent of people in Ireland living with diabetes believe there is a stigma associated with their condition.
People living with diabetes, which according to the HSE could be as many as 300,000 people in Ireland, face many barriers to receiving care. The survey data reveals that the misconceptions and stereotypes around the condition can weigh heavily on the minds of those living with diabetes, creating one more barrier and potentially preventing them from managing their health.
Dr. Susan Guzman, Behavioural Diabetes Institute co-founder, clinical psychologist, and diabetes specialist, said: "After more than two decades of research and working with people managing diabetes, I can tell you that misconceptions around diabetes take a real toll on people. If we want to help people have healthier lives, we have to recognise where and how bias around diabetes exists and promote a compassionate and fact-based understanding of diabetes."
Data from a survey of more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including Ireland, highlights that they may not be getting the care they need due to the shame and stigma around their condition, which can lead to real and often unnoticed health consequences:
Health consequences: 40 per cent of people living with diabetes around the world have skipped or missed a doctor's appointment due to shame or stigma.
Diabetes stigma is an issue: 80 per cent of people living with diabetes in Ireland believe there is stigma associated with their condition.
Shame causes silence: 36 per cent in Ireland have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern.
Diabetes as a punchline: 67 per cent of people living with diabetes in Ireland say they have seen inaccuracies about diabetes in the media and on TV shows, movies, and social media, while 83 per cent of people wish there was a better representation of living with diabetes in the media.
While words can hurt, they can also help. The survey also revealed that nearly 70 per cent of people globally believe supportive comments from others can significantly boost their motivation to manage their condition.
Abbott's new Above the Bias aims to help others see the world from the perspective of someone living with diabetes. The initiative builds upon efforts by several diabetes organisations, patient advocacy groups, and experts that continue to work to reduce stigma about diabetes. People can learn more and watch the film at abovebias.com
