Stopping the Blame and Shame
“Sadly, while the prevalence of diabetes increases across Australia, we are also seeing a decline in funding for diabetes research.”
Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott – The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes
Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott is the Deputy Director of the ACBRD. The aim of the research she leads is to better support people currently living with diabetes.
Diabetes Victoria established the ACBRD in 2010, in partnership with Deakin University. This world-leading research centre has been a hugely impactful and enduring initiative for both parties.
We sat down with Dr Holmes-Truscott to discuss the urgent need for diabetes research funding and the importance of behavioural research. Here she shares her insights with us.
Q: Why is diabetes research important to you?
“Like so many Australians, I have family and friends living with diabetes. I also developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. Together, my research and personal experiences have given me insights into the challenges associated with the condition and the importance of behavioural research.
I have seen the huge impact that behavioural research can have in making a difference to the everyday lives of those affected by diabetes.
Q: Tell us about the ACBRD?
At the ACBRD, we are dedicated to conducting behavioural, psychological, and social research with the ultimate aim of improving the health and quality of life of people living with diabetes by informing policy, developing interventions, and producing resources.
For example, we’re currently leading an international movement to end stigma and discrimination against people with diabetes. 3 in 4 people living with diabetes have experienced stigma, including negative judgements and prejudice.
Q: What’s important to know about diabetes stigma?
No-one who develops diabetes chooses to do so. Yet most people with diabetes have experienced being blamed, and some feel shamed, simply for living with the condition.
This is incredibly harmful. Diabetes stigma can negatively impact an individual's emotional wellbeing, their diabetes management, and physical health. Addressing diabetes stigma is a crucial missing element in diabetes care. So, we are working towards the goal of ending diabetes stigma and discrimination.
Last year, with Diabetes Victoria’s support, we launched the Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma and Discrimination. In just a few months, the Pledge has already been taken by individuals and organisations in more than 100 countries across the world.
Q: Why is funding for behavioural research important?
Diabetes is a relentless condition that requires 24/7 management. While we seek the cure for diabetes, we also need to support those living with the condition now, and those who will be diagnosed tomorrow.
To do this we need behavioural research to complement the clinical and basic research. Understanding the needs of our community is vital for translating research into practice, so that we can improve both the health and quality of life of people living with diabetes.
Our research must respond to our community’s needs. We have asked those living with diabetes, and their support networks, what questions they need answered to help them live well with diabetes. We are now making it our mission to find those answers.
Sadly, while the prevalence of diabetes increases across Australia, we are also seeing a decline in funding for diabetes research. Supporting world-class diabetes research is integral to shaping a future where diabetes can do no harm.”
