Let’s Talk: Diabetes Stigma in Marketing and Communications

A team of marketing professionals, including a Black man in a wheelchair, a Black woman, and a white man, are having a discussion at a table.

Diabetes stigma refers to negative social judgments, stereotypes, and prejudices about diabetes or about a person due to their diabetes.1 Research shows that people who experience stigma also experience worse mental, physical, and social health outcomes.1 How we discuss diabetes in professional settings, even when people with diabetes aren’t in the room, can make a […]

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Let’s Talk: Mental Health & Diabetes

Mental health and well-being are essential aspects of diabetes care. Regardless of your specialty as a healthcare provider, being prepared to discuss mental and behavioral health and proactively screening for concerns is key to facilitating improved outcomes.1 Discussions about diabetes and mental health can often feel stigmatizing, complicated, and even harmful to a person’s relationship […]

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Changing the Narrative Around Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease. But people with diabetes also experience an equally chronic problem: stigma. Underlying this stigma against diabetes are shared, deeply held assumptions about health that are embedded in American culture. The most common and problematic assumption is that health is primarily a matter of individual responsibility. In other words, health is […]

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Destigmatizing Diabetes Technology: A Quick Guide

Diabetes technology can transform management for many individuals living with diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have all contributed to helping people better manage their diabetes while using metrics like time in range. However, conversations around diabetes-related technology and time in range can sometimes feel inaccessible and stigmatizing. […]

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How to Talk About Nutrition with People With Diabetes

Living with diabetes can transform a person’s relationship with food and nutrition. Whether someone is interested in using nutrition to help manage their weight, eating their favorite foods with the right insulin dose, or understanding how foods impact glucose levels, each individual will have unique priorities when it comes to nutrition guidance. Discussions about food […]

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How to Talk About Diabetes-Related Complications

Black female doctor checking measuring pressure on patient's hand

Having diabetes increases the risk of a number of diabetes-related complications. Finding ways to reduce a person’s chances of developing chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, or other complications is a key part of diabetes care. Complications are also not an “end-point” of diabetes, so supporting a long, healthful, and meaningful life for those living […]

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dStigmatize Language Guide

The way we talk about diabetes, and the way we talk to people with diabetes, is often stigmatizing and judgmental. Our current diabetes language can show a lack of awareness and consideration, and may express conscious or unconscious bias. People with diabetes, their families, and people at risk of diabetes, deserve communications that are clear […]

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A Guide to the Portrayal of Diabetes in Film and Television

Graphic of a woman with an insulin pump and the title A guide to the portrayal of diabetes in film and television

This guide was created as a collaboration between the diaTribe Foundation and Beyond Type 1. Thank you for sharing the realities of living with diabetes with your audience. Your work will help educate, raise awareness, clear up misconceptions, increase safety, and reduce stigma. Approximately 1.6 million Americans currently have type 1 diabetes ( which includes […]

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diaTribe Writing Guidelines: Stigma

Black woman writing at her computer

In all cases, aim to use language that is neutral, nonjudgmental, and based on facts, actions, or physiology/biology. In addition, use language that is person-centered and encourages collaboration between people with diabetes and their entire care team. And finally, be intentional about avoiding words or phrases that indicate a value judgment or blame (such as […]

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Disclaimer
The information published on this website is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to make decisions that change treatment. We urge readers to consult with healthcare professionals for questions regarding their treatment and in all matters related to their health.