Diabetes can happen to anyone and has a profound, relentless impact on their life. So why is there so much stigma and blame attached to this condition and why do people think it’s funny to joke about diabetes? Would it be okay to joke about cancer or HIV?

Diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar, it’s a complex group of illnesses with a variety of causes that can lead to a number of short and long-term complications, what’s funny about that?

Rather than joking about diabetes more awareness, education and support is required. Next time you meet someone with diabetes, why not ask them about how it affects their life every single day and listen – really listen to their story. Diabetes is not their fault and neither are the complications. It’s time to change perceptions of a chronic illness that affects millions of people around the world, it’s time to start listening to the impact it has on peoples lives and sharing their stories to end the stigma and myths associated with this devastating illness.

 

 

Add a Comment