Perceived stigma among diabetic patients and their caregivers: a review

Aims: Considerable number of studies in the existing literature indicate the existence of stigma related to many diseases, disabilities, and disorders, but less attention has been given to diabetes-related stigma. This narrative review of literature aims to explore the existence of stigma surrounding type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: Literature were searched using search engines, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases published from year 2000 to 2020. Both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on the stigma associated with T1DM were included. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of collected research material was done. Results: Results provided substantial evidence that stigma associated with T1DM was experienced by T1DM patients and their caregivers at some point in their lives and it had affected their lives in different domains such as difficulty finding a spouse, discrimination at employment opportunities, educational institutions, management of disease, being misjudged as a druggie, poor quality of life of the patient and caregiver, depressive symptoms among parents of patients, constant worrying of their child’s disease management, and so on. Conclusion: Stigma related to T1DM is experienced by individuals suffering from it, and it is widespread. It not only affects the sufferers but their loved ones also. To reduce and cope-up with stigma, there is a need to increase public education and awareness at a mass level. Further research and awareness will serve to build our understanding of the experience of diabetes-related stigma.