Research on Type 2 Diabetes Stigma
WORLD DIABETES DAY 2025
SUPPORT, DON'T BLAME: Global Stories Against Diabetes Stigma in the Workplace
NOVEMBER 1-30, 2025
WHY THIS MATTERS: Diabetes and Well-being at Work
Over 400 million working-age adults live with diabetes worldwide. Yet stigma, misconceptions, and workplace discrimination remain pervasive barriers to: Open disclosure and self-care at work; Equal opportunity and career advancement; Mental health and well-being; Access to supportive workplace policies.
OUR SOLUTION: A Global Digital Storytelling Initiative
This campaign, featuring on the official World Diabetes Day 2025 platform, builds upon rigorous research from the University of Birmingham's "Support, Don't Blame" Co-Design Project (45 stakeholders, 6 participatory workshops). We are collecting and amplifying 50+ authentic, 30-90 second video testimonials to:
✓ Replace blame with compassion and understanding
✓ Challenge harmful stereotypes about diabetes self-management
✓ Empower individuals living with diabetes to speak their truth
✓ Equip employers and policymakers with real stories to inform inclusive practices
✓ Build supportive workplace communities globally
KEY OBJECTIVES
1) Amplify 50+ Authentic Voices to break the silence around workplace diabetes stigma.
2) Ensure Equitable Representation, with a minimum of 40% of stories from Black, South Asian, Latinx, and other Global Majority communities facing compounded health inequalities.
3) Drive narrative change by providing employers and policymakers with a repository of compelling stories to inform inclusive practices and policies.
4) Create a Sustainable, Replicable Model for anti-stigma advocacy, documented for academic and professional dissemination.
WHO WE INVITE TO SHARE
1. People Living with Type 2 Diabetes: Share your workplace journey—challenges, triumphs, lessons learned.
2. Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Diabetes Educators): Your perspective on supporting patients in workplace contexts.
3. Employers & HR Leaders: How you're building inclusive, supportive workplaces for employees with diabetes.
4. Colleagues, Family Members, Allies: Witness to the reality of workplace diabetes stigma—and champions of change.
5. Anyone passionate about diabetes equity and workplace inclusion.Your unique voice strengthens our movement.
DIVERSITY MATTERS
We are actively seeking stories from:
• Black, South Asian, Latinx, and other Global Majority communities
• Different countries and cultural contexts
• Varied workplace settings (corporate, healthcare, SMEs, non-profits, etc.)
• Multiple perspectives and experiences
Your voice ensures our movement reflects the diversity of the global diabetes community.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. Record a 15-90 second video about your workplace diabetes stigma experience.
2. Publish your video to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, or another platform, using all 3 campaign hashtags: #SupportDontBlame #DiabetesAtWork #WorldDiabetesDay2025
3. Come back here and complete our short Story Submission Receipt form, providing:
- Your name and email
- The public link to your video post
- Brief story description and your perspective
- Your consent for us to showcase your story in our global Story Hub
Upon review, approved stories and their links will be highlighted in our campaign gallery, amplifying your message to the global diabetes community—on World Diabetes Day 2025 and beyond.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT:
Perfect filming or editing
Professional lighting or sound
Scripted perfection
Being the "right" person to tell this story
WE VALUE:
Authenticity and genuine emotion
Real workplace examples
Diverse perspectives and voices
Your unique story and truth
VIDEO HUB: STORIES FROM OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Coming Soon!
Explore authentic stories from people around the world sharing their experiences with workplace diabetes stigma. Together, we are transforming how workplaces approach diabetes, one story at a time.
OUR STORIES
The stories are coming... and they're going to be powerful.
Right now, people around the world are recording their authentic workplace diabetes experiences.
Soon, those stories will fill this space—creating a global gallery of courage, resilience, and hope.
TIMELINE:
Campaign opens: November 1, 2025 (World Diabetes Day)
Stories reviewed: Within 7 days of submission
Stories published: Once approved by our team + consent signed
Gallery updates: Continuously throughout November 2025 and beyond
YOUR STORY MATTERS
Whether you've faced workplace stigma, challenged misconceptions, or built inclusive practices-your 15-90 second video will inspire millions.
READY TO SHARE?
1. [RECORD & POST YOUR STORY]
2. [SUBMIT YOUR LINK] BELOW
Let us know where to find your story by filling out the quick form below.
3. [GO LIVE]
Together, we're building more than a video hub. We're building a movement.