Heads up on Diabetes

Fast Facts

• 1 in 20 Australians report having diabetes and more than 4 in 5 people with diabetes have experienced diabetes stigma. 
• Mental health concerns are common in diabetes; almost 50% of people with diabetes report having mental health concerns in the past year, compared with around 1 in 5 of the population.

Stigma

The stigma of diabetes is when people are blamed for having diabetes, or any of the things that come along with managing diabetes, such as using medication or having low or high blood glucose (sugar) levels.  It may also be blame or judgement about the choices they make in their lives, like food and exercise.

Diabetes may not be something that people can avoid developing, and in the case of Type 1 diabetes, definitely not! Either way, the judgment does more harm than good.

Mental health

Diabetes brings quite a mental burden, just imagine having to think about medication, what you eat and what you do throughout every day, as well as juggling health appointments and the stress of possible longer-term complications.  So not only is it important to avoid the blame and judgement, but also remember the load that diabetes brings, and this is true for everyone, health workers as well as those close to anyone with diabetes.

We are here to help

Our Diet and Nutrition support is provided by registered practising dieticians and our Counselling services are available for people of all ages.