DUBLIN, Ireland — 80% of people in Ireland living with diabetes believe there is a stigma associated with their condition1. This was a key finding of a new survey published by Abbott to coincide with the release of a new film to highlight how everyday comments may affect people living with diabetes2.
People living with diabetes – which according to the HSE could be as many as 300,000 people in Ireland3– face many barriers to receiving care. The survey data reveals that the misconceptions and stereotypes around the condition can weigh heavily on the minds of those living with diabetes, creating one more barrier and potentially preventing them from managing their health2.
"How many times have we heard 'That looks like diabetes on a plate' when we're watching a movie, eating at a restaurant or scrolling through social media?" said Dr. Susan Guzman, Behavioral Diabetes Institute co-founder, clinical psychologist, and diabetes specialist. "After more than two decades of research and working with people managing diabetes, I can tell you that misconceptions around diabetes take a real toll on people. If we want to help people have healthier lives, we have to recognise where and how bias around diabetes exists and promote a compassionate and fact-based understanding of diabetes."
Data from a survey of more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including Ireland2, highlights they may not be getting the care they need due to the shame and stigma around their condition, which can lead to real and often unnoticed health consequences:
But while words can hurt, they can also help.
Above the Bias
Abbott's new Above the Bias initiative aims to help others see the world from the perspective of someone living with diabetes. The initiative builds upon efforts by several diabetes organisations, patient advocacy groups, and experts that continue to work to reduce stigma about diabetes. People can learn more about Above the Bias and watch the film at AboveBias.com.
"From the very early days of Libre, it's been our job to make living with diabetes easier," said Chris Scoggins, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "But technology alone can't fix every barrier that people face. We're committed to doing our part, but we can't do it alone. We need the ongoing help of others to support people living with diabetes, so they can get the care they need to manage their health."
About FreeStyle Libre:
Abbott continues to pioneer ground-breaking technology to support people living with diabetes. The company revolutionised diabetes care 10 years ago with its world-leading FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring portfolio, which today is used by about 7 million people in more than 60 countries4. People use Libre to see their glucose numbers in real-time5, providing insights into how food, activity, or insulin impacts their glucose to help them make progress on their health goals.
About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader and continues to pioneer ground-breaking technology and initiatives to support people live more fully at all stages of life. The company revolutionised diabetes care 10 years ago with its world-leading Libre continuous glucose monitoring portfolio, which today is used by 7 million people in more than 60 countries4. Abbott's other technologies span the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland
Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices, and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across 10 sites located in Dublin (2), Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford, and Sligo (2).
Abbott Media:
Nikki Gordon, +353 (0) 87 341 7886
Nikki.Gordon@Abbott.com
References:
1Data on file. Research conducted by Savanta on behalf of Abbott between May and August 2024 among people with diabetes in Ireland
2Data on file. Research conducted by Savanta on behalf of Abbott between May and August 2024 was executed in three distinct phases among people with diabetes across Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the U.S.
3HSE. Diabetes. Available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/diabetes/#:~:text=In%202022%20there%20were%205%2C149%2C139,90%25%20of%20all%20diabetes%20diagnoses. Last accessed February 2025
4Data on File. Abbott Diabetes Care.
5Glucose readings are automatically displayed in the FreeStyle LibreLink app only when your smartphone and sensor are connected and in range. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink may require registration with LibreView.
ADC-110494 (v1.0) 03/2025
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