I often feel stigmatised by the pressure to lose weight and by the assumption that my weight was the reason for my diabetes. For years, I struggled to better manage my condition, and it was hard not to feel like I was failing.

Through my own experiences – and through my work in community health – I became a Diabetes Champion.  That role helped me learn so much more about my diabetes and about the condition in general.

People would often say things like, ‘You must be big because you have diabetes’ and hearing those comments again and again really affected how I felt about myself. What many don’t realise is that there can be other health, genetic, and environmental factors involved. 

Not everyone who has diabetes is living with overweight. From the health checks we’ve done with different people, I’ve seen first-hand that weight is not always a factor.

Wider community

In some diverse communities, diabetes isn’t talked about much, often because people don’t fully understand the condition, how to manage it, or why medication is so important. 

This lack of conversation can make it feel isolating for those living with diabetes and can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about the condition. By opening up these discussions, sharing experiences, and providing clear information, we can help break the stigma and make it easier for everyone to manage their health with confidence and without the fear of being judged.

To help strike out the stigma around diabetes it’s important to challenge common assumptions and understand that anyone can develop the condition.  Diabetes can be hereditary and many other factors beyond diet play a role. The key is to stay informed, ask questions, and make sure you understand what’s happening in the management of your diabetes.

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Reach out for support

If you are affected by the topics highlighted within this story or other stories on our website, you can access support from our helpline team on 0345 122 2399, Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk.

You can join our free support forum – to connect with others affected by diabetes (minimum age 13). For more information, see forum FAQs.

For those aged 11-25 living with type 1 diabetes, check out our youth programme Together Type 1 for a supportive community of people who understand what it’s really like juggling the ups and downs of life with diabetes.

Over the years I’ve faced quite a few experiences around stigma – at this point in time, it feels like facing stigma is tragically a part of my condition. 

Not all of those experiences have had someone to ‘blame’ or have given me a reason to remember them for the rest of my life. I have no issue with people having a bit of confusion about my condition. It’s safe to say that I’m an open book and I want people to learn and ask me questions. It’s when people are purposely being ignorant or will not acknowledge me or my words that I won’t accept.

Very often, people forget that a person living with a chronic condition is usually the expert, given that they live with it every day. It makes me feel helpless sometimes – that I live in a world with a condition I didn’t ask for – and yet, I’m seen as the obstacle, the problem or the inconvenience. It’s more than just an empty comment – the impact can be long-lasting.

Many instances have happened in educational settings due to a major lack of understanding. In primary school, school trips were the stuff of nightmares. It caused huge stress and often resulted in me being placed in a group where I had none of my friends because I had to be close to the teacher.

Comments, looks, stares and unfair treatment can build up like unpaid bills – they can very easily become too much and can be so hard for someone who already has an uphill battle with their mental health, like me. 

This is where I dive into my poetry – it’s very personal to me. I write mostly about my hardships because it’s much easier for me to turn those struggles into a beautiful piece of artwork.

Miscommunications adding to stress

I was also once made over an hour and a half late for one of my A-level exams as they didn’t have a separate room for me which was requested months beforehand. 

My invigilator was also told I had epilepsy not diabetes and therefore had no idea of what to do if I were to have an emergency during the exam. That not only made them nervous but also heightened my anxiety along with the pre-existing exam anxiety.

Advocating for yourself

Diabetes does affect every aspect of my life – but I am lucky enough that my family has always been right there beside me as a support. My father, who also lives with type 1 diabetes, is my biggest supporter!

Travelling is probably one of my biggest sources of stress – just the thought of going through security and any potential issues that might arise. I’ve had a few people make me feel uncomfortable in this setting, but luckily, I’ve managed to advocate for myself. 

I always travel with a letter from the hospital stating my condition, my medication and how crucial they are. I do wish there was slightly more understanding in these situations.  
 

While there is a family history of diabetes, my mother is however the only family member I’m aware of who had diabetes and sadly died from complications associated with diabetes, which led to her having a heart attack. 

So, with that close connection to diabetes, it’s very personal and I’m passionate about helping others and being open about some of the challenges that are faced, especially within diverse communities.

In my experience, I’ve noticed that the service provision around diabetes care for people from diverse communities is often not up to par. 

Many people face barriers to accessing the right support – not just because of practical issues like language or resources, but also because of deep-rooted stigma and a lack of trust in health services. 

In some cases, people have had negative experiences in the past, where they felt judged, dismissed, or not fully understood. Over time, this creates a sense of reluctance to speak up, make complaints, or even seek help when it’s needed most.

Stigma within communities

Through my work, I see that in some communities, the stigma around diabetes is profound and can have a big impact on people’s lives. 

Often, this stigma starts close to home – from family members, friends, or neighbours – and then spreads through the wider community.

Some people believe that if one person in a family has diabetes, the whole family must have it or be at risk. Because of this, families sometimes choose not to talk about diabetes at all, out of fear of gossip or judgment.  

They feel that if their condition is known, it will affect their children or their grandchildren, and they might be labelled as a family with diabetes. The result is shame, secrecy, and a reluctance to discuss the condition openly for fear of being chastised.

This stigma can make people feel isolated or ashamed of their condition, even though diabetes is a common and manageable health issue.  But when the topic becomes something people avoid, it stops others from learning the truth, sharing their experiences, or getting the support they need to live well with diabetes. 

Consequently, individuals and families may avoid seeking medical support or sharing information about diabetes, which can further hinder early diagnosis, management, and community awareness.

I recall my mother never acknowledged that she had diabetes and kept her condition very much to herself – that had a lot to do with being stigmatised and not wanting family or friends to know, as she felt she would be judged. She worried they might see her differently or think that diabetes was something to be ashamed of.

I think it’s also about not wanting to share too much about your health, which tends to be a very private subject in some communities, and that other people will use their diabetes as a way of scrutinising their lives and holding them to account.

On reflection, I’ve heard people say that family members actually question their choices and, by knowing about their diabetes, they ask if they should be eating certain foods and how they need to be mindful of their diet because they have diabetes. This type of scrutiny can be very intense for people trying to manage their diabetes.

Offering support

As a dietitian, I can see how this distrust affects how people engage with healthcare advice, especially around food and their choices. So, it’s important for me to offer nutritional advice in a way that supports people without adding to any feelings of shame or stigma.

Many people with diabetes already feel judged about what they eat, so my goal is to create a safe and understanding space where we can talk openly about food and nutrition.  Some people are reluctant to seek help because of guilt.

I’ve noticed this can be especially true for those who are faith-based and have been led to believe, incorrectly, that they are personally responsible for their diabetes. Rather than focusing on restriction or blame, I emphasise balance, flexibility, and strategies that are realistic for each individual’s life.

Tackling stigma

Communities have a powerful role to play in tackling stigma.  We need to start having discussions at grassroots level, whereby local leaders, and in particular faith groups, schools, and healthcare providers, start open conversations about diabetes, so that people begin to understand that it’s not a weakness or something to hide and be ashamed about.

Community events, workshops, or even informal gatherings can be great opportunities to share information and personal stories.

It’s really important to encourage education and awareness about what diabetes really is – that it’s a health condition that can affect anyone and can be managed with the right care and support. And also, when people hear real stories from those living well with diabetes, it helps to break down fear and misunderstanding.

Families and friends can also support by showing understanding, listening without judgment, and helping loved ones manage their condition. The more diverse communities talk about diabetes in a positive and informed way, the easier it becomes for everyone to seek help, share their experiences, and live healthy and confident lives.

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Reach out for support

If you are affected by the topics highlighted within this story or other stories on our website, you can access support from our helpline team on 0345 122 2399, Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk.

You can join our free forum – to connect with others affected by diabetes (minimum age 13). For more information, see Forum FAQs.

For those aged 11-25 living with type 1 diabetes, check out our youth programme Together Type 1 for a supportive community of people who understand what it’s really like juggling the ups and downs of life with diabetes.

When I told people I had diabetes, their reactions often shocked me. I’d hear things like, ‘Really? No way! You’re not fat enough,’ or ‘You can’t be – you don’t eat unhealthy things. You don’t look like a diabetic.’

 It’s amazing how people stereotype what a person with diabetes ‘should’ look like and how little they actually understand about what diabetes really is.

"Those sorts of comments were so awful, especially as I was diagnosed a few weeks after both my father and brother had passed away."

It’s been difficult enough to learn how to manage the diagnosis and treatments plus all the challenges it brings day to day without the added pressure of having to explain it all – while mentally also dealing with grief, plus having to do my best to adapt to my fitness regimen with medication and the highs and lows of my blood sugar.

When you hear of other life-threatening conditions people will always ask, ‘How are you doing?’ but somehow, with diabetes people don’t know or understand how life-threatening this can be and actually don’t ask how you’re feeling at all. 

They just assume as you’re living your life that you’re fine and they have no idea on how much we could struggle day to day to manage our diabetes.

Assumptions  

It’s clear that some people don’t really understand my diabetes or that it’s something beyond my control. When I tell people – especially those I’ve known for years – they often ask if I got diabetes because I used to eat too many sweets or cakes. It really shows how little people understand about what diabetes actually is.

Unfortunately, people also don’t realise there are many different types of diabetes, including but not limited to- type 1, type 2, gestational, MODY, and LADA.  As soon as they hear the word ‘diabetes’ the food comments start – people ask things like, ‘Can you still eat cakes?’ 

People need to know

"Managing my diabetes day to day is relentless and never goes away. 24/7, it’s constantly on my mind and consumes my entire day, every day with every decision I make on what I will be doing and how it may affect my sugar levels."

However, you can still have a full and fabulous life, it just takes some organising. I am still learning myself on how to manage day to day but for me, every day is different – I have many highs and lows with my blood sugar levels throughout the day which can be because it is difficult to manage my carbs to insulin/pills ratios. 

It can be because of the weather as it affects me if it’s too hot or if I am in a cold environment – it also affects my moods and it’s hard to know if I am just in a bad mood or my sugar levels are low and need something to eat.

The impact of my diabetes is huge, even in everyday life. If I’m exercising, I need to keep an eye on my sugar levels and have extra carbs to hand. I always carry glucose tablets with me in case I have a hypo, and because I travel a lot, I have to make sure I have food supplies with me at all times – just in case. 

I can’t just leave the house with my phone and keys like many people. Carrying hypo treatments is literally a lifesaver, along with my medical card or bracelet for emergencies. People often don’t realise how serious that is, or how something as simple as a workout or even stress can trigger a hypo that needs immediate attention.

Tackling stigma

Firstly, when people first hear that you have diabetes, they shouldn’t automatically assume what type you have.

"I strongly feel that information about diabetes and other health conditions  that are life changing should be taught as part of the school curriculum so that young people understand from an early age, that it’s not people’s fault if they have diabetes and also so they know what they’re friends are experiencing and  how they can possibly help in an emergency."

There needs to be more information at doctors’ surgeries, and we need to get on social media platforms like TikTok for the next generation. We hardly ever see anyone on television talking about diabetes, so it needs to be more visible in the media and mainstream outlets. 

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Reach out for support

If you are affected by the topics highlighted within this story or other stories on our website, you can access support from our helpline team on 0345 122 2399, Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk.

You can join our free support forum – to connect with others affected by diabetes (minimum age 13). For more information, see forum FAQs.

For those aged 11-25 living with type 1 diabetes, check out our youth programme Together Type 1 for a supportive community of people who understand what it’s really like juggling the ups and downs of life with diabetes.

I sometimes feel on edge in social situations because of fears of being judged or told what I “should or shouldn’t eat”. 

Stigma has felt like a constant background noise in my life, and sometimes it’s been right in my face. I’ve worked hard to distance myself from people who make me feel negative about it – but the comments are still hurtful. 

Unfortunately, some of the harshest comments haven’t come from strangers, but people closer to me. They feel they can make a judgement very quickly on why I’ve developed diabetes – over time, I’ve learned that these views are far from the truth. In my case, I believe a combination of factors contributed to my diagnosis at a young age. 

It’s frustrating to see how many people view diabetes as black and white, without understanding the complex, nuanced factors involved. 

"I wish people understood that type 2 diabetes is far more complex than the stereotypes make it out to be. It’s not simply about sugar or weight – living with a lower body weight doesn’t protect you from it, and having diabetes isn’t a moral failing. It’s often reduced to oversimplified ideas, which can feel really stigmatising and frustrating."

Because of these experiences, I actively avoid disclosing my diabetes to most people. I don’t want to be reduced to a label, because I am so much more than just “diabetic”. I’m a creative and bubbly individual – the resilience and strength from what I’ve endured defines me – not diabetes, and certainly not the stigma around it.

The impact of unpredictability 

Diabetes has had a significant impact on many areas of my life. One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability – even when I try to do my best and do all the ‘right’ things, my glucose levels can sometimes have a mind of their own. This affects my energy levels, mood and, concentration – which can make work and day-to-day self-care more difficult. 

Socially, diabetes can feel like an extra weight that I carry with me. Work-wise, I’m fortunate that my current job is remote and flexible, which works really well for my diabetes care. In the past, I struggled with more rigid environments where the unpredictability of my glucose and energy levels wasn’t understood or accommodated. 

Travelling and engaging socially can feel stressful, as I’ve often worried about knowing what my glucose levels were doing and how that might affect me in front of others. 

But that being said, the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) I use has made a great difference in these situations. In a way, it’s lifted a huge emotional burden for me, and I feel more confident going out, working, or travelling because I know I can monitor and respond to my glucose easily. This has made me feel freer and less anxious, and my mood has improved significantly.