UK-based study reveals how visual portrayals of diabetes fuel stigma
Images are powerful. They send messages, shape how we think, and influence how we see ourselves and others. In health communication, images aim to inform, educate, and encourage healthy choices. But sometimes, images meant to help can actually do harm instead. A recent study from the UK looking at diabetes stigma highlights this issue, showing that commonly used images can reinforce diabetes stigma, stereotypes and shame.
What did the study involve?
The study used an online survey and a World Café event to explore experiences of diabetes stigma in the UK from a range of perspectives.
The survey was completed by 128 adults, including people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, family and carers, health professionals and others. Survey questions explored participants definitions and experiences of diabetes stigma, as well as their ideas for how to address it.
Findings from the survey informed the World Café event – a structured group discussion that promotes open dialogue and shared learning. Eleven participants took part in the group discussion focused on three topics:
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- Experiences of diabetes stigma
- Barriers to addressing diabetes stigma
- Strategies to reduce diabetes stigma
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What did the study find?
Participants identified three key areas that influence diabetes stigma. These are healthcare interactions, public awareness, and media representations. In this blog we focus on results showing how diabetes stigma is experienced through imagery.
Across television, news media, and health materials, participants reported that diabetes and individuals living with the condition are shown in narrow and harmful ways. Most images focus on people in larger bodies. These images also tend to show people overeating or living unhealthy lives.
The group discussed how popular media could better reflect real diabetes experiences by sharing personal stories or involving celebrities with diabetes in campaigns. They also suggested the need to challenge diabetes misrepresentation and use more diverse images.
Why does this matter?
When any type of diabetes is visually reduced to images of unhealthy eating or weight gain alone, it ignores the complex nature of diabetes, distorts public understanding, and fuels stigma.
Participants said the images made them feel judged. They also worried that others might develop negative views about people with diabetes. In the healthcare setting, participants described feeling “embarrassed” and constantly checking if anyone was watching them because of the image on the screen. These feelings can make it harder for people with diabetes to manage their health or seek support.
Rethinking diabetes imagery
This study shows we must change how we represent diabetes in the media and healthcare. Just as the #LanguageMatters campaign has positively reshaped how we talk about diabetes, we need a movement for how we represent diabetes. A #RespresentationMatters movement can support this shift, promoting images that support, include, and reflect the real lives and diversity in diabetes.
Some encouraging steps are already underway. Celebrities sharing images of themselves wearing diabetes technology have promoted positive discussions and improved representation.
Last month, Breakthrough T1D launched the first Barbie with type 1 diabetes. We hope these developments marks a step toward better, more accurate, and diverse representations of all types of diabetes.
Reference:
Burton AE, Owen A, Taylor J, Dean SE, Povey R. A World Café Approach to Exploring Perspectives on Diabetes Stigma in the United Kingdom. Health Expect. 2024;27(5):e70023.
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