The Big Interview – Professor Deborah Christie

A newly launched guide outlining practical steps that can tackle diabetes stigma is the focus of the latest online interview for the Diabetes Times. 

Professor Deborah Christie, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Psychology, spoke with DT Editor Oliver Jelley about Abbott’s ‘Let’s Change Perspective Guide’ – a document aiming to stop unconscious bias and reduce the stigma around diabetes.

Abbott has worked with Professor Christie and representatives from the diabetes community to develop the new guide in a bid to change perspectives and improve the emotional wellbeing of people living with diabetes.

To access the Let’s Change Perspective Guide, click here.

According to Professor Christie, it is important for people to acknowledge that the different types of diabetes have their own stigma.

Stigma is driven by what society believes and values about people and is the main reason for discriminatory behaviour.

Abbott’s survey of 1,500 people showed that 73 per cent of people with diabetes have seen stigmatising behaviour towards the condition, which negatively impacts their lives and can lead to worse health outcomes.

To watch The Big Interview, click here.

Additional resources – Language Matters.

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