Diabetes Association Launches Campaign
The Bermuda Diabetes Association has launched the ‘LABELS’ campaign to “raise awareness around diabetes-related stigma.”
A spokesperson said, “Ahead of National Diabetes Awareness Month [November], the Bermuda Diabetes Association has launched a campaign called LABELS to raise awareness around diabetes-related stigma. The campaign aims to #EndDiabetesStigma by spotlighting the harmful effects that a choice of words around diabetes can have.
“Diabetes stigma is language or behaviour that conveys negative attitudes, judgement, discrimination or prejudice against someone because they have diabetes. It stems from the false idea that people who have diabetes made unhealthy food and lifestyle choices, which resulted in their diagnosis. This widespread issue can often contribute to negative health outcomes and emotional distress for people living with diabetes.
The LABELS campaign seeks to:
- Increase awareness about the existence of diabetes stigma,
- Reduce biases and stigma associated with diabetes,
- Increase public understanding and awareness of diabetes, and
- Empower people with diabetes.
“By educating, informing and inspiring action to reduce stigmatising behaviour, this campaign seeks to create a more supportive community environment and to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.”
Lori Rockhead, Executive Director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association, said, “Too often, we lose sight of the person experiencing diabetes and focus solely on their condition. Because of this, language or behaviour that we may think is harmless or well-intentioned ends up coming across as judgemental, dismissive or hurtful.
“Diabetes stigma can have a real impact on the thoughts, feelings, experiences and ultimately behaviours of people living with diabetes. It can make them hesitant to seek treatment or manage the disease, leading to complications and worsening their condition.
“As a community, we all have a responsibility to know how our words and behaviour affect people, and to choose empathetic, considerate language. When we support each other, we can help everyone live their best lives.”
The spokesperson said, “Diabetes U.K. has alarmingly noted that more than 50% of people who experience diabetes-related stigma avoid medical appointments, further jeopardising their health. A 2019 survey by Diabetes Australia found that 25% of people living with diabetes found the word “diabetic” harmful.
“It is estimated that 15.5% of adults living in Bermuda have diabetes. As the Bermuda population ages, many more people are at risk of developing diabetes. Based on a recent Bermuda omnibus study, three-quarters [76%] of local residents believe that individuals with Type 2 diabetes bear some responsibility for the development of the condition.
“Various opinions as to how were shared, including: unhealthy diet [51%], lack of exercise [26%], lifestyle choices [26%] and not taking care of their health [18%]. Given these perceptions and their impact, raising awareness of diabetes stigma is paramount to improving health outcomes.
“LABELS will officially be launched at an event for Diabetes Anti-Stigma Ambassadors on October 23. The Labels Campaign includes TV, online, print and radio ads, and a series of short videos, produced by Bermudian creative agency Uber Super Duper, exploring the impact of stigma.
“Over the course of Diabetes Awareness Month, the Bermuda Diabetes Association will be sharing suggested language for talking about diabetes and other ways of ending diabetes stigma on its website and social media channels.
“To learn more, visit the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s website, follow them on socials, and sign up to be a Diabetes Anti-Stigma ambassador today.”
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