More than three-quarters of adults living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes have perceived or experienced diabetes stigma, show the results of a global study[1] co-authored by Diabetes New Zealand Chief Executive Heather Verry.

A total of 9,700 individuals – 899 from Aotearoa New Zealand – aged over 18 years from 11 different countries rated their experiences of diabetes stigma using the type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scales (DSAS-1 / DSAS-2).

Lead author Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott, from The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Melbourne, Victoria, together with Verry and colleagues found that 91% of those living with type 1 diabetes and 77% of those living with type 2 endorsed at least one DSAS item, with their experiences most often in the form of ‘blame and judgement’.

“Given this common negative experience… as well as potentially wide-reaching implications for healthcare access, funding, and research, these results highlight diabetes stigma as a significant global health problem,” remark the researchers in the journal Diabetic Medicine.

Among the participants from Aotearoa, whose data were collected in 2018, 331 had type 1 diabetes and 568 had type 2. Almost all of those living with type 1 (96%) reported at least one perception or experience of diabetes stigma on the ‘blame and judgement’ subscale, while similarly high (80%) reported some form of identity concern.

In contrast, just half of those living with type 1 diabetes endorsed the DSAS subscale indicating experiences of being ‘treated differently’, at 53%.

For people living with type 2 diabetes, 80% endorsed feeling ‘blamed and judged’ according to the DSAS subscales, 44% reported feelings of self-stigma (shame) and 41% reported feelings of being treated differently.

“Continued efforts to understand and reduce diabetes stigma are essential for ensuring that all people with diabetes, wherever they reside, are empowered to manage their condition, their way, without fear of judgement or discrimination,” the study team concludes.

If you would like more information and support about living well with diabetes, take a look at our emotional wellbeing resources.

You can also call our free helpline with any questions or concerns: 0800 342 238 or email us at info@diabetes.org.nz.

[1] Holmes-Truscott E, Litterbach E, Søholm U, et al. Experiences of diabetes stigma among adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A multi-study, multi-country, secondary analysis. Diabet Med. 2025;00:e70082. doi:10.1111/dme.70082

Related links:

The Diabetes New Zealand Stigma Survey

Media release - Survey lifts the lid on diabetes stigma in New Zealand

Repeat of stigma survey for 2020 Diabetes Action Month - Ground-breaking survey uncovers emotional and mental health issues faced by Kiwis with diabetes

Diabetes New Zealand stigma findings included in global research