King's College London

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in younger people and can progress more quickly, leading to earlier health problems. Yet younger adults with Type 2 diabetes are less likely to attend regular check-ups or receive the care they need. One important reason why this can happen is stigma – the perception or experience of negative attitudes or judgments about the condition.

Women with Type 2 diabetes often experience stigma, based on the misconception that the condition is their fault or caused by personal choices. Feeling judged or blamed can lead to shame, guilt, and distress, and can make it harder to seek support, manage diabetes, or talk about important issues such as pregnancy and reproductive health. These challenges can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.

The RESET study aims to change this by working with women with Type 2 diabetes, their partners or families, and healthcare professionals to co-design multimedia anti-stigma resources. Taking part will involve participation in some group meetings to firstly discuss experiences of stigma and then create supportive evidence-based materials that can reduce stigma and improve care for women living with Type 2 diabetes.