Campaigns - 13 July 2021

Diabetes is a complex condition. It is often misunderstood.

Negative attitudes and beliefs affect many people living with diabetes – with a very real impact on their self-care, physical health, mental health and quality of life.

Let’s reduce the blame and shame around diabetes. Let’s replace it with respect and compassion, so that people with diabetes are supported to live healthier and happier lives.

To learn more, head to Diabetes Victoria’s campaign page.

Campaign background

Living with diabetes can be tough, affecting people living with diabetes both physically and emotionally.

According to the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, more than 4 in 5 people with diabetes have experienced diabetes stigma at some point in their lives. This means that many people with diabetes feel they have been judged or treated differently than others because of their diabetes.

There are many forms of stigma, and many ways to experience stigma.
Some people have been blamed or shamed for having diabetes or a diabetes-related complication. Others have been judged when they eat certain foods, check their glucose or inject insulin in a public setting. And some people with diabetes even blame themselves and feel ashamed for having diabetes.

Sometimes diabetes-related stigma is based on a lack of understanding. But sometimes it is based on negative attitudes or prejudice.

The stigma around diabetes affects many people living with diabetes – with a very real impact on their self-care, physical health, mental health and quality of life.

Let’s change the way we talk about diabetes by showing compassion and respect.

Let’s think again. Let’s reduce diabetes stigma.

Lived experience

Head to Diabetes Victoria’s campaign website to hear from people living with diabetes. Learn how diabetes stigma affects their life. You’ll get to know BJ, Carol, Justin, Jade, Shannon, Jane, Jacqueline and Gabby – who have all experienced negative attitudes and beliefs around diabetes in very different ways.