30% of people living with Type 2 Diabetes are undiagnosed, and unfortunately, stigma and shame may be keeping people away from vital support that could prevent or delay major health complications.
According to Diabetes UK, almost 6 in 10 people surveyed said stigma impacts their self-confidence, and over half said that stigma, judgement, or shame means they sometimes avoid their medical appointments.
This Diabetes Awareness week, taking place from June 8th to June 14th, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing why early diagnosis of diabetes is crucial and the simple ways we can help strike out the stigma surrounding the condition.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “The reason why early diagnosis of diabetes is so important is that prolonged, elevated blood sugar, common with untreated diabetes, can cause many long-term health complications that can have hugely negative effects on a person’s life and wellbeing.
“Vascular afflictions, eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, serious foot problems, teeth, gum and mouth problems, muscle pain, and joint issues are all chronic complications that can be prevented or delayed by going to your diabetes health checks, checking your blood sugar levels, and keeping your blood sugar levels within target.
“It’s deeply worrying to think that around one million people living with type 2 diabetes may be undiagnosed, and are therefore unable to access the support they need to live well with their condition. Many people don’t get diagnosed until they are already experiencing complications, highlighting how everyone, no matter whether they are high-risk or not, should understand the symptoms and warning signs of diabetes in its early stages.
“I’d encourage anyone who is experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, or severe fatigue to speak to their GP and get tested for the condition. After all, the sooner treatment starts, the less likely complications are to occur. If you’re concerned about symptoms, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
“Another thing to be aware of is that the stigma associated with diabetes is real, can lead to mental health problems and shame, and can even stop people from seeking the treatment that they need. At the end of the day, a decrease in the stigma around diabetes will lead to improved health outcomes for patients and research investment into new treatments and better care.
“There are many easy ways to help reduce the stigma day-to-day. Firstly, understanding that diabetes is a complex condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, can help dispel common myths and misinformation. This also includes not making assumptions about people with diabetes and treating everyone, no matter their condition, with kindness.
“Reducing stigma can also include understanding that the condition is manageable and that millions of people, about 1 in 16, in the UK live with diabetes. Type 2 is the most common and is frequently linked to lifestyle factors and genetics, while Type 1 affects around just 8% of people living with diabetes and is an autoimmune condition.
“Diabetes involves a huge amount of daily care and attention. So, if you know someone living with diabetes, make them feel supported, be careful of the language you use to talk about the condition, and never blame or shame them for it.”
