#DiabetesLooksLikeMe

Building on last year’s nationwide Diabetes Stigma Campaign, it’s time for us to raise our voices against diabetes stigma again. Join us on the 14th May for #DiabetesLooksLikeMe.

Diabetes stigma in South Africa

Diabetes stigma might seem like a minor problem – insensitive language being used and making people with diabetes feel bad. But the reality is that South Africa has a huge diabetes stigma problem, and it’s contributing to the fact that 1 in 2 South Africans with diabetes are undiagnosed. Which contributes directly to the fact that diabetes is the number 1 killer of South Africans.

This year, our core message is around language: 

Diabetes stigma is reflected in the way we talk about people with diabetes. Let’s recognise the humans behind the condition.

But we can change that.

People with diabetes are often discriminated against. The language used to talk about diabetes is filled with blame and shame, and the people behind the condition are not seen, or empowered.

We need to change the way we talk about diabetes.

How? By dismantling diabetes stigma.

Together, we can show that #DiabetesLooksLikeMe.

Join #DiabetesLooksLikeMe to end diabetes stigma

How can you get involved?

1. Post a selfie

On Thursday 14th May, post a selfie on social media with the hashtag #DiabetesLooksLikeMe so we can flood social media with images of so many different people, all living with diabetes.

2. Educate others

Share information about the language of diabetes and stigma with your friends and family. Here’s a two-page language sheet that you can share with your healthcare team, friends, family and your workplace. Either download to print, or forward on WhatsApp or email!

And here are some insights from you, our community of South Africans with Diabetes.

Diabetes stigma

Is there a stigma around living with diabetes?

Let’s talk about diabetes stigma

3. Share your story

We’ll be sharing your stories of diabetes stigma in South Africa on Instagram and Facebook. Stigma thrives in silence, and it’s so important to bring it out into the light. Please join us to share your story, see the video and be part of the campaign!

3. Share the video

Please share our video on Instagram and Facebook – every extra person who sees it makes a difference.

Let’s talk about diabetes stigma

Diabetes stigma can be hard to talk about. That’s why we’ve asked diabetes psychologist Daniel Sher to give us some practical tips during a Facebook Live on Thursday 28th May at 7pm to answer all your questions about how stigma shows up for you in real life. Everyone is invited! Please join us!

Working together to combat diabetes stigma

In collaboration with:

Sponsors:

This campaign has been generously supported by many companies working with diabetes in South Africa. We couldn’t have done it without them, and we are deeply grateful for their support!

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors: