Setting the record straight

Type 1 anti-bullying video

A lot of you told us about unpleasant experiences when people have made hurtful comments to you because they either don’t know enough about Type 1 diabetes, or have the facts wrong. For example, some people think that Type 1 diabetes is caused by fat or sugar – which is completely untrue.

We've created a new short film to help educate people about Type 1 diabetes to set the record straight and stop young people from experiencing bullying based on ignorance and misconceptions. Have a look...

Thank you for your help

We really hope you like it. After all, you helped us create it! We asked you to tell us about any bullying or prejudice you've experience and we listened. All the comments expressed in the film are based on real experiences you've shared with us.

Help us set the record straight

We know that diabetes doesn't hold any of you back or stop you from doing the things your mates do, but there are still lots of myths and misconceptions that need to be put straight. Sharing this video will help us educate the general public about Type 1 diabetes and help put an end to this type of bullying.

So send your friends and family the link to this page. The film will also be posted on Youtube, Facebook, Bebo and Myspace so you can spread the word there too.

If you have a website or blog, you can even directly embed the video by copying and pasting this code:

Affected by any of these issues?

If you have any feedback for us, good or bad, we'd love to hear it. If you have any ideas for campaigns we could do in the future, please share them with us.

If you're being bullied, you can contact Bullying UK, a leading UK anti-bullying charity, for advice and support.

Your comments

im alethea and i have had diabetes for 10 years now. im 11 years old. i got diabetes wen i was 1 years old. i have nevr got bullied from diabetes before but im goin into secondary schol and i am a bit scared if i get bullied in secoudary schol. is there any1 else dat has the sme problem?- Alethea

omg this is unbelievable to here this. i go through the same but not that bad.- Natasha

I got bullied at primary school; getting called a junkie at ages 10 to 12. It hurt that bad I self-harmed. It was horrible. It continued 'til 2nd year, then after that I was fed up with it, so I decided to move schools - the best thing I've done in my life so far.- Chelsea

Read more of Chelsea's story on this page.

I have been diabetic for about two and a half years. It has taken me that long to realise that I have diabetes for the rest of my life.

At the moment I am going through a rough patch. There are these boys in my class and they keep on calling me a druggy and a fatty. To be honest I have had enough. I tried my best to staff calm but it's just not working.

I have been also skipping my meals because of them.

Thanks for reading my story. x- Leah

Are you serious?! Where I come from there is no bullying for diabetes at all, which makes me extremely surprised that it even happens. There are certain areas and cases that bullies just don't intervene with, such as wheelchair users. It's almost common knowledge that bullies stay clear of people with mental and physical disabilitys, and in my area that means diabetes too.

A message to everybody who suffers from bullying because of diabetes Type 1:

Don't let it interupt taking your insulin. If it is affecting your regular dosage then that can make you ill, and to be honest that's what the bully wants. It wants you to suffer, so show them that anything they throw at you is not going to harm you in any way.

You could also tell a member of staff at your school who is of high authroity, and if it isn't sorted within two weeks you can always contact the school government, then those bullies will see whos boss! :)- Fran