Diabetes Week 2026

What is diabetes stigma?

Diabetes stigma is the negative attitudes and false assumptions people make about those of us living with or at risk of diabetes. It impacts people with all types of diabetes, and arises from misconceptions and misunderstandings of the causes, management and realities of diabetes.

Sadly, the stereotypes and misconceptions about diabetes are often internalised by people living with diabetes - with nearly half of those that completed our survey believing that they are true. 

This can lead to feelings of shame - people who experience or internalise stigma are more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, diabetes distress and low self-esteem. 

Evidence of diabetes stigma

• Over half of people we surveyed said that stigma, judgement or shame means they sometimes avoid medical appointments.
• Across the UK over 8 in 10 people with type 1 and over 7 in 10 people with type 2 say they experience blame and judgement for their condition
• People from Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian communities are more likely to experience diabetes stigma
• Almost 6 in 10 people we surveyed said stigma impacts on their own self-confidence and over half also internalise that shame and believe they are at fault
• 1 in 5 experience stigma in the workplace every few weeks, according to our survey
• Stigma is most commonly experienced close to home, from friends and family members

What impact will our campaign have

We want fewer people living with diabetes to experience stigma, which will lead to:

• more empowerment
• better health outcomes
• fewer days in hospital  
• more research investment
• new treatments
• better care.

This will contribute to a better life where they are happy and well. 

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