Abbott has unveiled ‘Above the Bias’, a film highlighting how diabetes stigma impacts care and well-being. Misconceptions in media and social settings create emotional barriers, but positive support improves motivation. Abbott’s initiative aims to challenge biases and foster a more supportive environment. By raising awareness, the campaign promotes understanding and advocacy, ensuring diabetes care is driven by support, not judgment.
In a world where everyday language shapes perceptions, people living with diabetes often find themselves battling more than just their condition. Abbott’s newly released film, Above the Bias, highlights the social and psychological burdens that diabetes stigma places on individuals, affecting their ability to seek care and manage their health effectively.
The Impact of Stigma on Diabetes Care
According to a new survey conducted by Abbott, nearly 70% of people with diabetes feel there is stigma attached to their condition. Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions—often reinforced in media, social interactions, and even healthcare settings—can create significant emotional and psychological barriers. For instance, 40% of survey respondents admitted to skipping or missing a doctor’s appointment due to shame or stigma, while almost 25% reported avoiding sharing their diagnosis with family or friends. These numbers indicate that diabetes stigma is more than just a minor inconvenience—it has tangible consequences for people’s health and well-being.
Dr. Susan Guzman, co-founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, has spent over two decades researching the psychological effects of diabetes stigma. “How many times have we heard ‘That looks like diabetes on a plate’ in movies, restaurants, or on social media?” she asks. “These misconceptions take a real toll on people. If we want to help them lead healthier lives, we need to recognize and challenge the biases that exist around diabetes.”
Media Portrayals and Everyday Biases
The survey also highlights how people with diabetes are frequently misrepresented in popular culture. A staggering 85% of respondents said they had encountered inaccuracies about diabetes in media, including television shows, movies, and social media. Furthermore, 40% felt that diabetes is often used as the punchline of a joke, reinforcing negative stereotypes and downplaying the seriousness of the condition.
The consequences of these biases extend beyond public perception. Additional biometric testing revealed that nearly 40% of individuals exhibited an elevated physiological response—such as increased heart rate and perspiration—when confronted with stigmatizing statements. The phrase “Should you really be eating that?” prompted the strongest response, evoking stress levels comparable to those experienced during a job interview or first date.
The Power of Positive Support
While negative language and misconceptions can be harmful, the survey found that supportive comments have the opposite effect. Nearly 70% of people with diabetes reported that encouragement from others significantly boosts their motivation to manage their condition. This finding underscores the importance of fostering a compassionate and fact-based understanding of diabetes.
The ‘Above the Bias’ Initiative
Abbott’s Above the Bias initiative aims to challenge diabetes stigma and encourage people to see the world through the lens of those living with the condition. By partnering with advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and diabetes organizations, Abbott hopes to foster a more supportive environment where people with diabetes feel empowered rather than shamed.
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“From the very early days of Libre, our mission has been to make living with diabetes easier,” said Chris Scoggins, executive vice president of Abbott’s diabetes care business. “But technology alone isn’t enough to break down every barrier. We need society’s help in supporting people with diabetes so they can get the care they need.”
By shedding light on the biases surrounding diabetes, Above the Bias is not just a film—it is a call to action. Through awareness and education, Abbott is advocating for a world where diabetes care is driven by support and understanding, not stigma. To learn more and watch the film, visit AboveBias.com.
