Abbott and FEDE launch a campaign to combat the stigma affecting diabetes care

Common remarks like "Should you really be eating that?" or "I'm going to get diabetes just from looking at that" may seem harmless, but they have a real impact on the health and emotional well-being of people with diabetes. This is revealed by a new survey conducted by Abbott in eight countries, showing that social stigma remains an invisible barrier to proper disease management.

According to the study, 70% of people with diabetes believe there is a stigma associated with their condition, and 40% have even canceled medical appointments due to feeling judged by those around them. Additionally, one in four has avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or fear of being treated differently.

"We want to make visible the prejudices that people with diabetes face every day and promote more empathetic and informed communication among all stakeholders," says Antonio Lavado, president of the Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE), which collaborates in this initiative.

Emotional and Physical Impact of Stigma

The report, based on responses from more than 2,600 people, also shows how stereotypes and misunderstandings about diabetes can have physiological effects comparable to intense stress. Nearly 39% of participants showed an elevated bodily response—increased heart rate and sweating—when hearing stigmatizing phrases.

The question "Should you really be eating that?" elicited the strongest reaction, similar to the stress caused by a job interview or a first date.

In Spain, the most widespread myths are that sugar is the direct cause of diabetes (29.3%), that it is linked to body weight (16%), or that it can be "cured" with diet and exercise (13%).

An Experiential Circuit to "Put Yourself in the Shoes" of People with Diabetes

To bring this reality to the public, Abbott will launch an experiential, emotional, and interactive circuit at Plaza de Callao (Madrid) on October 19 and 20. This street marketing action will allow people to firsthand experience how individuals with diabetes feel about stigma, debunk myths, and reflect on comments that, though not meant to harm, can be hurtful.

"We want to support those living with diabetes beyond our technology. Change requires the effort of the entire community," states José Luis Portero, medical director of Abbott Diabetes Care.

TV host Toñi Moreno, ambassador of the campaign, participated in its presentation and highlighted the importance of empathy: "I have learned that, sometimes without realizing it, we can make comments that hurt. This project has helped me better understand the daily reality of people with diabetes."

More than Five Million People Live with Diabetes in Spain

With more than five million people affected in Spain alone, diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and carries a significant emotional burden. The campaign #DiabetesStigma aims to help change the social narrative, promoting a more respectful, empathetic, and prejudice-free view.

More information and the complete video of the initiative at: diabetestigma.es