No one likes to be judged, looked down on or have labels put on them by those who barely know them. But that is how many people living with diabetes are made to feel on a daily basis because of lack of understanding and false assumptions.

We often lose sight of the person living with diabetes and focus solely on their condition. Because of this, language or behaviour that we may think is harmless or well-intentioned ends up coming across as judgmental, dismissive or hurtful.

Often, the stigmatisation of people living with diabetes is unintentional. Sometimes, it’s more direct, piercing and meant to hurt. In every case, though, the effect is the same on those living with diabetes: shame, anxiety, guilt, fear, stress and low self-esteem, making it even more difficult to find balance and happiness while managing their health.

In reacting to stigmatising comments and behaviour, some people with diabetes have been known to hesitate in seeking treatment and self-care, or descend into depression. As a result, diabetes stigma is not just a social issue, but can be a serious health issue.

That is why the Bermuda Diabetes Association is raising awareness about the effects of bias and stigma by sharing the stories of those who have faced it or seen it directly. Over the next few weeks, see and hear Bermudians discussing how they have been unfairly labelled or experienced stigma in their daily lives by biased and discriminatory commentary.

These people are young and old, rich and not-so-rich, men and women, and from every background. Some have had diabetes for decades; others do not. But they all have been stung by the stigma and assumptions placed on them by others.

Diabetes UK has noted alarmingly that more than 50 per cent of people who experience diabetes-related stigma avoid medical appointments, further jeopardising their health.

It is estimated that 15.5 per cent of adults living in Bermuda have diabetes. As the Bermuda population ages, many more people are at risk of developing diabetes. Our recent omnibus study revealed that a significant portion of our community still believes that people with type 2 diabetes bear responsibility for their condition, often attributing it to factors such as diet or lifestyle. Given these perceptions and their impact, raising awareness of diabetes stigma is paramount to improving health outcomes.

These attitudes are exactly what our Labels campaign intends to change. People living with diabetes are our neighbours, friends, family and co-workers. We should help to empower them instead of diminishing them.

By educating, informing and countering stigmatising behaviour, we hope to build a more supportive community environment and improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to know how our words and behaviour affect people, and to choose empathetic, considerate language. When we support each other, we can help all Bermudians live their best lives.

This November, let’s #EndTheStigma. Visit diabetes.bm for more information about diabetes stigma and to learn how your words can make a difference.

• Lori Rockhead is the executive director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association