14
NEWS
One cupcake won't kill you
Biased opinions and ignorant views can really add up,
and not in a good way.
People living with diabetes
may face many barriers
to receiving care. Survey
data reveal that the
misconceptions and stereotypes
around the condition can weigh
heavily on the minds of those living
with diabetes, creating one more
barrier and potentially preventing
them from managing their health.
"How many times have we heard,
'That looks like diabetes on a plate'
when we're watching a movie,
eating at a restaurant or scrolling
through social media?" says Dr
Susan Guzman, clinical psychologist,
diabetes specialist and co-founder of
the Behavioural Diabetes Institute.
"I can tell you that misconceptions
around diabetes take a real toll on
people. If we want to help people
manage their health, we have to
recognise where and how bias
around diabetes exists and promote
a compassionate and fact-based
understanding of diabetes."
'I'm going to get diabetes just
looking at that', 'That person doesn't
look like they have diabetes.' New
Abbott's video makes the truth that many of us live with, visible.
I can tell you that
misconceptions
around diabetes
take a real toll on
people... ~
Dr Susan Guzman
survey results and a video released by
Abbott Diabetes Care highlights how
everyday comments like these may
affect people living with diabetes.
Data from a survey of more than
2,600 people living with diabetes
across eight countries, including
the UK, highlights that they may not
be getting the care they need due
to what they may see as shame or
stigma around their condition.
Nearly 70% of the people
surveyed believe there is 'stigma'
associated with their condition. As
many as 85% of people surveyed said
that they have seen inaccuracies
about diabetes in the media,
including on TV shows, movies, and
social media. Almost 25% said that
they have avoided sharing their
diagnosis with family or friends out
of embarrassment or concern and
that as a result 40% have skipped or
missed a doctor's appointment.
Food focus?
Additional testing of those surveyed
showed that nearly 40% had an
elevated response to certain
statements, even if they don't show
outward signs or expressions. It
turned out (rather unsurprisingly
that conversations about food
elicited the most significant
response. For example, the question,
"Should you really be eating that?"
prompted the strongest biometric
response, causing those asked to
have an elevated heart rate and
increased perspiration - similar
to the stress of a job interview or a
first date.
According to the research, while
words can hurt, they can also help.
The survey also revealed nearly
70% believe supportive comments
from others can significantly
boost their motivation to manage
their condition.
Abbott Diabetes Care's new
Above the Bias initiative aims to
help others see the world from the
perspective of someone actually
living with diabetes. The initiative
builds upon efforts by several
diabetes organisations, patient
advocacy groups, and experts that
continue to work to reduce stigma
about diabetes.
AboveBias.com