Subscribe Now

[hb-subscribe]

Trending News

T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
  • Activity
    • 1 hour, 51 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I have always been open with coworkers and supervisors about having T1D. The primary reason was that if something happened like severe hypoglycemia, they would know what to do.
    • 1 hour, 52 minutes ago
      Gary R. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      Yes, always. Why do you keep asking this question? It has been the QoD several times recently.
    • 2 hours, 40 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I’m retired now, but I always let my coworkers know that I was T1D. Occasionally that helped save my life when hypoglycemia hit me.
    • 2 hours, 40 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      This is a requirement since I have severe hypoglycemia unawareness.
    • 2 hours, 40 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I have always been open with coworkers and supervisors about having T1D. The primary reason was that if something happened like severe hypoglycemia, they would know what to do.
    • 3 hours ago
      MT likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I don’t need accommodation for T1D and didn’t find it necessary to disclose this to my coworkers. They may be aware of it as my pump and sensor are visible.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      In your opinion, how helpful is it to see a mental health professional who has a deep understanding of lifelong health conditions?
      I really think it just depends on the person who needs help. Some people may find it extremely useful and others may not find them of much help.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      In your opinion, how helpful is it to see a mental health professional who has a deep understanding of lifelong health conditions?
      I said helpful because unless they actually have first hand knowledge of your health condition they can't really know.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      Back in the 80's I was in an NIH study. But I think now my age (72) ages me out) and my A1C's (5.4-5.8 for the past 20 years or so) exclude me.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I am the only one in my household who has T1D, but both husband and I live with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      ALL of them are forced, given a seat at my T1D "table" whether they wish to be or not. They endure my experiences, their after-effects, the events themselves. Living with us, they are unwilling voyeurs/particip[ents This appears to be a badly worded question. If you meant, does anybody living with you ALSO have the disease T1D as well, you should have asked it that way. The question you kids wrote asks a far different question, by semantic accident it appears....?
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I answered "1" as I have T1D. However, it could be said that if any one person has T1D, everyone in the household is living with T1D. It affects everyone in house, not just the person with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I answered "1" as I have T1D. However, it could be said that if any one person has T1D, everyone in the household is living with T1D. It affects everyone in house, not just the person with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I fill out every survey I get and am currently participating in a phase 2 study of a new insulin. Note: I am 67 years old and I am seeing studies that allow up to age 89. Check out tektonresearch.com They have some exciting studies coming up. 😊
    • 1 day, 20 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 1 day, 20 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I fill out every survey I get and am currently participating in a phase 2 study of a new insulin. Note: I am 67 years old and I am seeing studies that allow up to age 89. Check out tektonresearch.com They have some exciting studies coming up. 😊
    • 1 day, 20 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How would you rate your overall health?
      I just have to say: Kudos to you. Your story is amazing. Congratulations and while it is simple to write this, I can only imagine the dedication, discipline, and hard work it took.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days ago
      Deborah Wright likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days ago
      Alyne Branson likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 2 days, 1 hour ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 2 days, 3 hours ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      eherban1 likes your comment at
      How would you rate your overall health?
      I just have to say: Kudos to you. Your story is amazing. Congratulations and while it is simple to write this, I can only imagine the dedication, discipline, and hard work it took.
    Clear All
Pages
    • T1D Exchange T1D Exchange T1D Exchange
    • Articles
    • Community
      • About
      • Insights
      • T1D Screening
        • T1D Screening How-To
        • T1D Screening Results
        • T1D Screening Resources
      • Donate
      • Join the Community
    • Quality Improvement
      • About
      • Collaborative
        • Leadership
        • Committees
      • Centers
      • Meet the Experts
      • Learning Sessions
      • Resources
        • Change Packages
        • Sick Day Guide
      • Portal
      • Health Equity
        • Heal Advisors
    • Registry
      • About
      • Recruit for the Registry
    • Research
      • About
      • Publications
      • COVID-19 Research
      • Our Initiatives
    • Partnerships
      • About
      • Previous Work
      • Academic Partnerships
      • Industry Partnerships
    • About
      • Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Culture & Careers
      • Annual Report
    • Join / Login
    • Search
    • Donate

    If you have experienced diabetes stigma, in what situations has it happened? (Select all that apply.)

    Home > LC Polls > If you have experienced diabetes stigma, in what situations has it happened? (Select all that apply.)
    Previous

    If you are a parent of a person with T1D, which best describes your situation? If you have more than one child with T1D, please select all that apply and check back for tomorrow's question!

    Next

    Have you ever changed diabetes healthcare providers because you did not agree on aspects of your T1D management? (E.g., disagreement about device choices, blood glucose goals, management decisions, etc.)

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

    Related Stories

    2025 ADA

    T1D Exchange Announces 13 Real-World Data Presentations and Posters at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions 

    T1D Exchange, 2 weeks ago 4 min read  
    Mental Health

    What is the Emotional Impact of Screening for T1D? 

    Hannah Doskicz, 3 weeks ago 5 min read  
    Meet the Expert

    Meet the Expert: Advancing Research To Treat, Delay, and Prevent the Development of T1D 

    Jewels Doskicz, 1 month ago 7 min read  
    Advocacy

    Sam Scott, PhD: The Science of Exercise with T1D 

    Jewels Doskicz, 1 month ago 9 min read  
    Research

    The T1D Exchange Fear of Hypoglycemia Screening Project 

    Sarah Howard, 1 month ago 6 min read  
    Lifestyle

    Menopause and T1D: Answers To Your Top Questions 

    Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCP, 2 months ago 6 min read  

    27 Comments

    1. Ahh Life

      In the 1970’s (prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993), when the hiring official had a type 1 diabetic wife. He thought that every diabetic would be as problematic as his wife.

      In the 1950’s when a cousin of mine thought I was afforded all sorts of privileges for being diabetic.

      And, last, but not least, throughout the medical community over the decades. A poignant example being the physician (physician!!! of all things) saying to me in 1973, “Why are you going snow skiing this week end instead of staying home in your wheelchair like a good diabetic?” Arghhhh. ヽ༼ ͠° ͟ ͜ʖ ͡° ༽ノ

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Nevin Bowman

      I haven’t really had any of this, but my coworkers freaked out when I got a drink in my windpipe once. They thought it was diabetes-related 🙂 I’m just glad they actually cared.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Richard Vaughn

      I have not experienced diabetes problems in public for many years, but I was diagnosed in 1945. In the 1945-1995 era I experienced many problems including most of the situations in the list. After starting fast acting insulin in 1996, and knowing about carb counting, I had much better diabetes management. With the knowledge and the devices we have now, I do not have problems while in public.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lawrence S.

        I find this to be true also. Most of the diabetes stigma issue happened many years ago. Not so much in recent years.

        1
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Keli Godin

        I’ve had a coworker suggest I eat bread to soak up the high blood sugar. HR has told me to walk or take public transit to work when I couldn’t drive because of a low blood sugar, so I wouldn’t be late. There wasn’t public transport around and the walk would be an hour long. Had a new endocrine not believe me when I said I had type 1 for 15 years. She demanded a test to prove it because she thought I had type 2 this whole time. Things I can laugh at now but weren’t very funny at the time!

        1
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Lawrence S.

      Diabetes stigma is not something that I consciously think of. When it does happen, I don’t think, oh that’s diabetic stigma. But, occasionally, it does raise it’s head in unexpected ways. I’ve been told more than once when showing up to a doctor’s office (by nurses), “you’re not what I was expecting.” I take that meant because I was in good, trim, physical condition. I’ve been told more than once that I should not be eating something with sugar in it. A lot of people don’t realize that sugar occurs in most foods, in different ratios, of course. I’ve had people misinterpret what my insulin pump is. I was asked twice, at work, if I was tape recording our conversations. I’ve been asked if my pump was a cell phone, or some other electronic device. I’ve had a relative refuse to get in a car if I’m driving. But, these things are here and gone in a flash, and really are not given a second thought by me. I don’t get flustered by other people’s misinterpretations. On occasion, I give an explanation to clear up a situation, if needed. Other times I just ignore comments.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Sherolyn Newell

        I would be LOL if someone said the tape recording comment. to me.

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Mary Halverson

      I answered “with friends I regularly spend time with” and “family”, but is it stigma or just ignorance when others don’t realize the difference in how I manage my type 1 diabetes compared to all the airplay type 2 diabetes drug management gets?

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Joan Fray

      The only thing I really remember in a negative way was my mother’s neighbor, a quite well know doctor (walter Bortz Sr) used to always ask me from the time I got T1d until recently “How’s your sugar?” Just pissed me off no end. Perhaps because of the condescending way he said it . Haven’t seen him since my mom died.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. ELYSSE HELLER

      At one of my first jobs a long time ago, my supervisor made me walk to the HR building, which happened to be a 20 minute walk each way, to check my BG. Okay, this wouldn’t count as a break since it was mandated, so in nice weather this was fine, not to fine in inclement weather. And, of course, coworkers bitched that “I got too many breaks. I became a RN, and worked in a hospital. There too, even though I had my own office, they wanted me to go to the ER to do BG checks because of “biological waste” issues. Mind you, I, of course had a biological waste container in my office. The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze me.

      6
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. TomH

      I’m 67, retired, and don’t have a lot to lose or be impacted by others view of my T1 status. I’ve been up-front with anyone who’s opinions I care about or value. Given my situation, I figure its best to be up front and try to educate those that don’t understand, so others that DO have something to lose or be impacted by have a better chance of not being impacted. That said, I did have an experience at a hospital out-patient procedure that I couldn’t get ANYONE’S attention on my T1 status or answer how my BG would be tracked while I was under anesthesia. Even the nurse about to plug me in to hydration didn’t understand my concern of what was in the bag. I finally told the folks, loudly and unequivocally, if I didn’t get some answers, I was walking out…THAT finally got me the needed attention and information. When your life is on the line, don’t be shy!

      7
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Tod Herman

        I, too, am retired and feel much the same way during very similar situations. Well put.

        1
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Edward Geary

      Employment screenings

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Joan McGinnis

      I think we all have biases about other people and illnesses and all kinds of things and we like to distance ourselves from any kind of illness or imperfection and I understand that many others may discriminate against me because of their biases

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Don P

      potential employment screening….. almost 60 yrs ago now…. same potential occupation now allows diabetics. Times have certainly changed for the better.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Pauline M Reynolds

      Only once did I feel stigmatized and that was while in the hospital and by the nurses. Because of overcrowding, I was in a bed in the cancer wing. More than once, I overheard nurses complaining that with my needs I should be in the diabetes wing and I did feel like I was an intruder and causing them trouble.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. kristina blake

      For a few years, I wasn’t invited to after-work events. I realize it was because they worried I “might be tempted” to eat/drink something I shouldn’t. Once I explained that I had been living with T1D for decades, and it was the comaraderie that was valued, I’m happy with a cup of coffee, the comments stopped.

      I did have one laughable situation when a manager insisted I go to my car for bg checks. “hazardous waste” concerns. A colleague piped up from the other side of the cube wall “should be schedule our papercuts to to happen in our cars?” Loved that guy. And one less amusing was a mid-level manager complaining about my getting a promotion, saying that I wasn’t reliable nor responsible. When asked why the explanation from the mid-mgt person was basically they knew I had T1D and everybody knows diabetes is self-inflicted. (I did get the promotion. I like to think it is because I deserved it, but the upper mgt person to whom the “petty” mgr complained was married to a person with T1D – maybe?…)

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Janis Senungetuk

      In grade school in the 1950’s from ignorant school administration and some teachers, many employment interviews, in a Wisconsin state employment agency and from incredibly judgmental medical staff.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Christina Trudo

      “Stigma” is subjective. I defined it very broadly and would say I have experienced it in virtually every situation in which people knew of my diabetes. That is because it is extremely common for people to be fairly ignorant of the realities of living with diabetes, especially type 1, especially with pump therapy; combined with the fact that these same people fairly commonly think they DO know about it and many are quick with questions, advice or admonitions. So it’s stigmatic and the public gives us ways to know they stigmatize it. I have learned not to let this bother me and usually, not to bother trying to enlighten anyone other than a close friend who is genuinely curious.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Louise Robinson

      I was in my late 20’s when diagnosed as a Type 1 in 1976. I was already established in my career that would last another 20 years. I never hid the fact that I had diabetes and continued to receive promotions and succeed in my career path. I do not feel I experienced any stigma as a result of diabetes. I did discover that many have misconceptions about diabetes and used my experience to help educate them whenever the opportunity presented itself. Diabetes did not prevent me from achieving my career goals or participating in activities (like downhill skiing) that I was passionate about. I am now happily retired.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Molly Jones

      I have not experienced diabetes stigma, but have received stigma due to other medical conditions in most of the above situations besides my immediate family. We are close and supportive.
      The most impactful stigma was while working with a non medical doctor researching my medical condition. It simply reminds me that besides ignorance, we all have prejudices, some of which are built into our brains from birth. I trusted my mother more than other females as a baby.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Juha Kankaanpaa

      I have never, in the last 33 years with T1, experienced any stigma. I haven’t really even thought about it as I couldn’t think of any reason why there would be stigma in relation to T1.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. mentat

      I had a psychiatrist insist that I gave myself T1D. When I questioned this she sternly told me she had a nephew with T1D so she knew what she was talking about. Both appointments with her were appalling. She was judgmental and treated me like a whinger.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Jenellejoy

      The most annoying comment in a type 1’s life “should you be eating that?”

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Mary Ann Sayers

      I have never RECOGNIZED or experienced any stigma in my life situations. Probably because no one knew what diabetes was in the 1950’s, so teasing me about it never occurred to kids at that time.
      Growing older,again I don’t remember any experience of any resentment or stigma in school or work situation. And now I’m 75 years, I can say I haven’t felt anything but my own irritation of dealing with T1D.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. NAK Marshall

      Very little. I am very up-front about it and have been since I was diagnosed at age 9. If someone asks or thinks I’m shooting up I explain. I’ve never hid anything about it and use every opportunity to explain it to people, INCLUDING the newer tech advances with doctors and nurses who often (horrifyingly) don’t know much about current options for tracking and treating. as a kid I had my own sense of stigma aimed at myself, thinking there was something wrong or bad about me that caused it, but at the same time I was never shy or reticent about sharing info. I’m sure that’s a lot to do with my parents attitude.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Cheryl Seibert

      Once with a coworker and a couple of times in early childhood with classmates. I also chose “Other Context”. There is a HUGE problem with hospitals’ management of T1D and T2D insulin dependent diabetics in a hospital environment. Hospitals often use a single treatment plan for all diabetics, frequently remove pumps and do not allow conscious patients to manage their own BG and dosing.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply

    If you have experienced diabetes stigma, in what situations has it happened? (Select all that apply.) Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.




    101 Federal Street, Suite 440
    Boston, MA 02110
    Phone: 617-892-6100
    Email: admin@t1dexchange.org

    Privacy Policy

    Terms of Use

    Follow Us

    • facebook
    • twitter
    • linkedin

    © 2024 T1D Exchange.
    All Rights Reserved.

    © 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
    • Login
    • Register

    Forgot Password

    Registration confirmation will be emailed to you.

    Skip Next Finish

    Account successfully created.

    Please check your inbox and verify your email in the next 24 hours.

    Your Account Type

    Please select all that apply.

    I have type 1 diabetes

    I'm a parent/guardian of a person with type 1 diabetes

    I'm interested in the diabetes community or industry

    Select Topics

    We will customize your stories feed based on what you select here.

    [userselectcat]

    We're preparing your personalized page.

    This will only take a second...

    Search and filter

    [searchandfilter slug="sort-filter-post"]