Challenging diabetes mellitus-related stigma with targeted education

Al Bayrakdar, Amani

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent chronic metabolic disorder that requires rigorous self-management to prevent complications and maintain health. Managing diabetes can also be psychologically challenging for those living with the condition, significantly affecting their mental health, particularly when diabetes-related stigma manifests as discrimination, social rejection and internalised shame. This article examines how diabetes-related stigma often stems from misconceptions about the condition, but nonetheless can adversely affect the self-care, physical health and quality of life of people living with the condition. The author explains how mitigating this stigma through targeted education, empathic communication and advocacy is essential and explores the pivotal role of nurses in reducing diabetes-related stigma.

Citation

Al Bayrakdar, A. (2024). Challenging diabetes mellitus-related stigma with targeted education. Nursing Standard, 40(1), 62-67. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2024.e12404

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 30, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 18, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 27, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 28, 2024
• Journal: Nursing Standard
• Print ISSN: 0029-6570
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-9018
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 62-67
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2024.e12404
• Keywords: blood glucose, clinical, diabetes, glycaemic control, insulin, insulin therapy, patient experience, patients, professional, stigma, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes