Bringing an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination: an international consensus statement on evidence and recommendations

To accelerate an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination, an international multi-disciplinary expert panel (N=51 members, 18 countries) conducted rapid reviews and participated in a three-round Delphi survey process. They achieved Consensus on 25 Statements of Evidence and 24 Statements of Recommendations. The Consensus is that diabetes stigma is driven primarily by blame, perceptions of burden/sickness, (in)visibility, and fear/disgust. People with diabetes often encounter stigma (negative social judgments, stereotypes, prejudice), which can adversely affect emotional, mental, and physical health, self-care, access to optimal healthcare, and social and professional opportunities. Up to one-in-three experience discrimination (unfair and prejudicial treatment) due to diabetes, e.g., in healthcare, education and employment. Diabetes stigma and discrimination are harmful, unacceptable, unethical, and counterproductive. Collective leadership is needed to pro-actively challenge, and bring an end to, diabetes stigma and discrimination. Consequently, the panel achieved unanimous consensus on a pledge to end diabetes stigma and discrimination.