Diabetes Action Month

This Diabetes Action Month, we’re calling for collective action end to diabetes stigma, and make a meaningful change to improve the lives of more than 365,000 New Zealanders living with diabetes. Because no one should experience judgement or blame because of a health condition they didn’t choose.  

Together, we can build a more supportive and respectful Aotearoa, where everyone affected by diabetes is met with compassion and support in every aspect of their lives - free from blame, shame or judgement.  

In Aotearoa New Zealand, 80% of people living with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) have experienced diabetes stigma, including feeling blamed or judged, and up to 53% have been treated differently.¹ 

No one should be blamed, judged or treated differently because they have diabetes. Negative attitudes and assumptions can affect mental and physical health, create barriers to care and support, and make living well with diabetes harder. That's why we need to change the way we talk about diabetes, and end diabetes stigma.