Younger adults with type 2 diabetes face higher stigma: Study

Visakhapatnam: A study of 333 adults with type 2 diabetes has revealed that stigma remains a significant challenge, particularly among younger individuals. Conducted at a tertiary endocrine center, the research found that age was the strongest factor linked to stigma. Participants under 40 reported the highest levels of blame, judgment, and self-stigma, while those aged 61 and above experienced the least.Stigma was measured using the Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale-2 (DSAS-2), covering domains such as feeling treated differently, experiencing blame, and self-stigma. Younger participants often voiced concerns about marriage prospects, relationships, and being perceived as weak or personally responsible for their illness. Older individuals appeared more accepting, possibly because diabetes is commonly associated with aging.
The study was conducted by Dr Sikha Aruna Sri, a consultant psychologist and psychotherapist, Dr Gumpeny Lakshmi from the Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Healthcare & Medical Technology, and Dr Gumpeny Ramachandra Sridhar from the Endocrine and Diabetes Centre, Visakhapatnam. The study was published in the ‘Journal of Diabetes Mellitus.' The study, led by Dr Sikha Aruna Sri, Dr Gumpeny Lakshmi, and Dr Gumpeny Ramachandra Sridhar, was published in the Journal of Diabetes Mellitus. Gender differences were minimal, while education and income showed limited influence. Occupational differences were more pronounced: self-employed individuals and homemakers reported higher stigma, while retirees reported the lowest. Employees showed relatively higher self-stigma, suggesting that individuals with greater social or professional exposure may feel more vulnerable to judgment. Income had only a minor association, with lower-income groups reporting slightly higher feelings of being treated differently, but it was not a strong overall predictor. Clinical and lifestyle factors demonstrated stronger associations than most demographic characteristics. Participants who were newly diagnosed, especially those living with diabetes for less than one year, reported the highest stigma levels. Those with more than ten years of living with diabetes reported lower stigma, indicating that stigma may decrease over time as individuals adapt to the condition. Physical activity also played a significant role. Individuals who did not exercise reported higher stigma scores, whereas those who engaged in regular exercise had lower stigma levels across multiple domains. Exercise may enhance confidence, emotional well-being, and a sense of control, thereby reducing negative feelings. Moreover, participants experiencing multiple life stressors—such as family, financial, or work-related stress—reported higher total stigma and self-stigma. In all, the study reveals that diabetes stigma is common, particularly among younger, newly diagnosed individuals, those who are physically inactive, and those experiencing multiple stressors, underscoring the need for integrated psychological and lifestyle support in diabetes care.