Stigmatising language and its association with psychological outcomes among people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

This study examined the experiences of stigmatising language among adults living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Ireland, and its associations with psychological outcomes using a cross-sectional design. Multiple regression analyses revealed significant associations between stigmatising language from family, friends, healthcare providers, the media and colleagues and higher anxious symptoms (β's = 0.27-0.47, <i>p</i>'s < .001), depressive symptoms (β's = 0.25-0.42, <i>p</i>'s ≤ 0.002), and diabetes distress (β's = 0.34-0.57, <i>p</i>'s < 0.001). Lower diabetes treatment satisfaction was significantly associated with stigmatising language from healthcare providers (β = -0.47, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, there were no significant associations between wellbeing and stigmatising language from any source (<i>p</i>'s > 0.002). These findings emphasise the importance of respectful communication to enhance psychosocial outcomes for people living with diabetes.