Breaking the stigma around type 2 diabetes in young adults
In our latest episode, we sit down with Dr Michelle Hadjiconstantinou, Lead Chartered Psychologist at the Leicester Diabetes Centre and Behavioural Scientist at the University of Leicester, to tackle an important but often overlooked issue: the stigma surrounding Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) in young adults.
From comments like “you must be eating too much” to “your sugar levels aren’t good enough,” young adults living with T2DM often face harmful assumptions from friends, family, and even healthcare professionals. These experiences can deeply impact mental health, sometimes leading individuals to avoid medical care or hide their diagnosis altogether.
While awareness of diabetes-related stigma is growing, there’s still a long way to go. In this episode, we discuss why education, advocacy, and policy change are essential to challenge stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for those living with T2DM.
Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.