Diabetes Week: Why It’s Time to ‘Strike Out Stigma’
This year, the focus for Diabetes Week 2026 (8–14 June), is turning toward an issue that causes profound, yet often invisible, harm: diabetes stigma. This year, the mission is clear: it’s time to change how we talk about diabetes.
The Hidden Burden: What is Diabetes Stigma?
Diabetes stigma refers to the negative attitudes, unfair stereotypes, and false assumptions made about people living with or at risk of diabetes. It stems from a widespread misunderstanding of what causes the condition and what it takes to manage it.
Whether it’s a thoughtless comment like "Should you be eating that?" or a judgmental glance when someone administers insulin in public, stigma is incredibly common. In fact, 8 out of 10 people living with diabetes report facing negative attitudes because of their condition.
The Reality of Stigma
It affects all types: Stigma impacts people across the entire diabetes spectrum, regardless of their specific diagnosis;
It hits close to home: Shockingly, stigma is most commonly experienced from friends and family members and
People from Black African, Black Caribbean, and South Asian communities are disproportionately likely to experience diabetes stigma.
How Schools Can ‘Strike Out Stigma’
Nobody chooses diabetes, and it is never anyone’s fault. By rewriting the narrative, we can drastically improve lives. Eradicating stigma leads to better self-care, improved mental well-being, fewer hospitalizations, and stronger support for vital research and new treatments.
Here is how you can get involved and support the campaign this Diabetes Week:
Every experience with diabetes is unique. If you have faced stigma, sharing your story can help break down misconceptions and show others they are not alone.
Help to inform your staff and pupils. Download and print these impactful campaign posters to spark vital conversations:
Diabetes is nobody's fault;
Should you be eating that?; and
Are you comfortable injecting here?
Sign up for the campaign online to stay updated on the latest research, recipes, and community stories. You can also follow the conversation on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
This 8–14 June, let’s choose empathy over judgment and change the way we talk about diabetes.
The Real-World Impact on Health
Stigma isn't just about hurt feelings—it has a direct, damaging impact on physical and mental health.
When people are constantly blamed for their condition, they begin to internalize that shame. Nearly half of those surveyed admit to believing the negative stereotypes about themselves, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and diabetes distress.
Even more alarming is how stigma acts as a barrier to medical care:
Over half of people surveyed admitted that fear of judgment or shame causes them to avoid medical appointments;
1 in 5 people experience diabetes-related stigma in their workplace every few weeks; and
Nearly 60% say stigma actively damages their self-confidence.
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