Diabetes UK’s theme for Diabetes Awareness Week 2026 is ‘Strike Out Stigma’. They are seeking to change how we view and talk about diabetes and to recognise the harm caused by diabetes stigma.

Diabetes stigma is the negative attitudes and false assumptions people make about those living with all types of diabetes. It arises from misconceptions and misunderstandings of the causes, management and realities of diabetes.

Due to diabetes stigma, people living with diabetes can often experience psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, diabetes distress and low self-esteem, as well as the physical effects of diabetes.

Indeed, 8 out of 10 people living with diabetes who were surveyed by Diabetes UK report facing negative attitudes related to their diabetes. The survey further indicated that:

• Over half of people surveyed said that stigma, judgment or shame means they sometimes avoid medical appointments.
• Across the UK, over 8 in 10 people with type 1 and over 7 in 10 people with type 2 say they experience blame and judgement for their condition
• People from Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian communities are more likely to experience diabetes stigma
• Almost 6 in 10 people surveyed said stigma impacts on their own self-confidence and over half also internalise that shame and believe they are at fault
• 1 in 5 experience stigma in the workplace every few weeks
• Stigma is most commonly experienced close to home, from friends and family members

The campaign hopes to:

• Strike out misinformation in the media
• Strike out the judgment at healthcare appointments
• Strike out assumptions about why someone has diabetes
• Strike out the food policing from friends and family
• Strike out the lack of support and understanding at work
• Strike out the division between different types of diabetes, focusing upon solidarity instead
• Strike out blame in decision-making, ensuring that policy makers and healthcare funders understand diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. This leads to raised blood glucose levels which, if unmanaged, can result in serious complications over time.

There are two main types of diabetes, these being Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition typically requiring lifelong insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, which is more common, is often associated with a variety of risk factors such as age, family history, certain ethnic backgrounds, obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

There is also gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.

Common Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Recurrent infections

Prevention and Early Action

While Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, steps can be taken to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats while limiting ultra-processed foods and free sugars.
• Aim for regular physical activity across the week, including both aerobic activity and strength-building exercises, as appropriate to personal health and ability.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight or a clinically advised weight-reduction target if overweight.
• Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol intake.
• Attend regular health checks, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening where recommended. If you wish to seek further information on diabetes, please click Diabetes Week 2026.