We Need to Change the Way We Talk About Diabetes

People living with diabetes are so much more than their diagnosis. The Sweet Life Diabetes Community is once again focusing on diabetes stigma by encouraging people to change the way... The post We Need to Change the Way We Talk About Diabetes appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 8, 2026 - 10:41

We Need to Change the Way We Talk About Diabetes

People living with diabetes are so much more than their diagnosis. The Sweet Life Diabetes Community is once again focusing on diabetes stigma by encouraging people to change the way they speak about the condition and inviting those living with it to share their personal stories and challenge harmful stereotypes.

South Africa (08 May 2026) – 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.

But we can change that.

Building on last year’s nationwide Diabetes Stigma Campaign, the Sweet Life Diabetes Community is once again focusing on breaking diabetes stigma on 14 May with #DiabetesLooksLikeMe.

This year, their core message is around language because Diabetes stigma is reflected in the way we talk about people with diabetes.

Diabetes Stigma in South Africa

Diabetes stigma might seem like a minor problem – that is, the 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 is undiagnosed. This contributes directly to the fact that diabetes is the number one killer of South Africans.

Last year, the Sweet Life Diabetes Community’s campaign focused on the face of diabetes. This year, they are focusing on the humans behind the condition – not just a diabetic.

Sweet Life members asked their community to describe who they are aside from living with diabetes, and they shared their takes in a 1-minute video that illustrates it better than we ever could.

“Sharing personal stories helps to actively dismantle stigma. Narrative sharing builds connection, challenges harmful stereotypes, and validates the emotional reality of people living with diabetes,” shares Daniel Sher, Type 1 diabetes psychologist

Lived Experience Stories

Each person’s journey with diabetes and diabetes stigma is different. That’s why Sweet Life is sharing the stories of its community to humanise the issue.

Alongside this, they are inviting people with diabetes to share a selfie on Thursday, 14 May, with the hashtag #DiabetesLooksLikeMe so that they can flood social media with images of all different kinds of people with diabetes.

Practical Guidance

Another huge part of diabetes stigma is not knowing how to do better.

“That’s why we’ve put together this simple Diabetes stigma and language sheet to share with healthcare providers, the media, friends, family and colleagues,” the organisation said.

You can read and share more about diabetes on the Sweet Life website.

Share Your Story

“We’re inviting people with diabetes to share their stories of stigma on Facebook and Instagram, as well as by joining us in a Facebook Live on Thursday, 28 May at 7 pm.”

There will be a discussion between psychologist Daniel Sher and Sweet Life CEO and co-founder Bridget McNulty, both living with diabetes, in which they welcome questions and comments from the broader diabetes community. Everyone is invited!