The ACBRD published new insights into experiences of diabetes stigma from studies in six countries
How are people with diabetes treated in different countries? Do experiences of diabetes stigma and discrimination differ around the world? And how do experiences of diabetes stigma differ between people with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D)?
To find out, the ACBRD collaborated with researchers, advocates and diabetes organisations from around the world.
What did the study involve?
Funded by Diabetes Canada, the team examined data from eleven studies across six countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The study included almost 10,000 adults living with diabetes: about one-third with T1D, and two-thirds with T2D. Each study used the Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale for their type of diabetes (DSAS-1 or DSAS-2).
What did the study show?
Across studies and countries, most people in the studies had experienced some kind of stigma because of their diabetes:
-
-
- 9 in 10 people with T1D
- 3 in 4 people with T2D
-
The most common experience of stigma was blame and judgement, reported by 83% of people with T1D and 70% of people with T2D. This includes others’ unfair assumptions about what causes diabetes, or judging what people with diabetes eat. Three quarters of people with T1D reported identity concerns, relating to feeling judged when managing their diabetes in public. For example, this might be when they are checking glucose levels or injecting insulin. This feeling of judgement can lead people to hide their diabetes or avoid situations where diabetes may be seen. For people with type 2 diabetes, self-stigma is common: around half of people with T2D reported self-stigma. This involves feelings of self-blame and shame due to living with diabetes.
Almost half of people reported being treated differently because of their diabetes: 46% of people with T1D; 37% of people with T2D. Between 10-20% of people said they had been excluded, rejected, or discriminated against – sometimes even in the workplace.
Across the six countries, people reported relatively similar experiences of diabetes stigma. But in Japan, things were a little different. People there were less likely to report feeling blamed or judged, and more likely to feel that they are treated differently because of their diabetes. It is also possible that there are country- or culture-specific experiences of diabetes stigma that aren’t captured by the DSAS measure. This is why it’s so important to hear directly from people living with diabetes about their experiences.
Why do the findings matter?
These findings show high and relatively consistent experience of diabetes stigma in six countries. This supports international calls for action on diabetes stigma. Yet, more research is needed to fully understand the experiences of diabetes stigma from the perspectives of people living with diabetes all over the world.
What’s next?
We are so excited for the first-ever Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma in India, March 2026. The Summit will bring together people with lived experience of diabetes, researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to co-create a roadmap to bring an end to diabetes stigma. We’ll hear lived experience stories, research insights, impactful initiative, and opportunities. Maybe you’ll join us? Find out more here.
To learn more about diabetes stigma, read our past blogs on this topic.
Reference:
Holmes-Truscott E, Litterbach E, Søholm U, Agius PA, Alzubaidi H, Bodziony V, Bresolin J, Fletcher K, Garza M, Joiner KL, Puhl RM, Shimabukuro M, Syron L, Takaike H, Vallis M, Verry H, Halliday JA, Manallack SL, Skinner TC, Speight J. Experiences of diabetes stigma among adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A multi-study, multi-country, secondary analysis. Diabet Med. 2025 Aug;42(8):e70082.
Print This Post