Laura has travelled from Germany to engage with our work, deepen her understanding of diabetes stigma and share her own research on the psychosocial impacts of diabetes.
We’re pleased to welcome Laura Klinker as an academic visitor for three months. At the end of her visit, Laura will join us in Jaipur, India, for the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma before returning home.
Below Laura shares what she’s researching and why she’s visiting the ACBRD.
Could you introduce yourself and your home institution?
I’m a clinical psychologist at the German Diabetes Centre Mergentheim, and a PhD student at the Research Institute Diabetes Academy Mergentheim which is affiliated with the University of Bamberg in Bavaria. At our inpatient diabetes centre, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes stay with us for around 8–10 days. For example, when they’re transitioning to a need a new diabetes therapy such as an automated insulin delivery system. We also offer specialised group programs, such as programs addressing fear of hypos, programs for children and adolescents, and a program based on acceptance and commitment therapy.
What is the primary focus of your research? And what inspired you to pursue it?
My research focuses on the psychosocial factors that influence eating behaviour among people with diabetes. In particular how diabetes stigma may affect eating behaviour. In previous studies, I adapted an existing questionnaire – the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised – so that it could be used across diabetes types. I also examined whether it could be used to screen for binge eating behaviour. In collaboration with the ACBRD, I also translated two diabetes stigma questionnaires (DSAS-1 and DSAS-2) into German and tested whether they are reliable and suitable for use in German-speaking populations.
Why did you choose the ACBRD for your visit?
Thanks to my great colleague at the Diabetes Centre Mergentheim Jasmin Westphal (née Shabert), I learned about your wonderful team and that you have been conducting research on diabetes stigma for more than 10 years. Jasmin previously worked at the ACBRD when some of the early research on diabetes stigma was underway. Jasmin has spoken very highly of the ACBRD and Melbourne.
Check out the original systematic review of diabetes stigma led by Jasmin and our team at the ACBRD here.
What do you hope to achieve or learn by the end of your stay?
I hope to learn more about qualitative research, and I am already enjoying the inspiring exchange of ideas. I would also like to gain a better understanding of how to effectively reduce diabetes stigma in everyday life and how to promote more mindful language in our diabetes centre in Germany.
What has been the most interesting discovery or discussion you’ve had so far?
I have particularly enjoyed discussions with Liz Holmes-Truscott and Eloise Litterbach about a qualitative study they’re leading. The study explores what people with diabetes believe could help address diabetes stigma. It has been very interesting to learn about the different ways people cope with stigma, as well as what they would like to see change. Some coping strategies may unintentionally reinforce stigma, which makes these insights especially important.
What has been the biggest difference between your home institution and ours?
I have the impression that people with lived experience are involved in every stage of the research process at the ACBRD. At my home institution, we are working to increase the involvement of people with lived experience. I am glad that we have colleagues with lived experience on our team, but there is still room for growth.
What has been the most enjoyable about your stay so far?
The most enjoyable part of my stay so far has been the incredibly warm welcome and the many wonderful encounters with the ACBRD and Diabetes Victoria teams — whether during scientific discussions, lovely lunch breaks, trips with wonderful neighbours, or simply short chats while making tea.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working on research?
Checking out Melbourne’s live music and drinking great coffee.
How do you see this international experience shaping your future research?
I hope this experience will lead to many more wonderful projects, collaborations, and impact in the future. I would be very happy to welcome colleagues from the ACBRD to my hometown, Würzburg.
Read more about diabetes stigma here.
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