Reducing Stigma for Younger Women Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-designing Multimedia Messages and Resources to Reduce Diabetes-Related Stigma and Promote Healthcare Engagement in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
IRAS ID
351798
Contact name
Judith Parsons
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rising among younger people, who face significantly higher risks of life-threatening complications than older adults with the same condition. Younger women with T2D also face extra challenges: over half of pregnancies in women with existing diabetes involve T2D, and many women don’t receive the necessary preparation, raising risks to both mother and baby.
People with T2D often experience stigma—negative judgments and blame, such as being told their condition is their own fault. This comes from healthcare professionals, family, society, and sometimes themselves. Research shows stigma is linked to higher depression, less healthy blood sugar levels, and lower self-care. It can discourage attending appointments—almost half of people with diabetes avoid care because of stigma.
In younger women, stigma can damage relationships with healthcare providers and hinder pregnancy planning. For example, one recalled being told by her GP “I was too fat to get pregnant,” which affected her responsiveness to care.
Our study aims to develop resources—films, animations, communication tools, and educational materials—to reduce stigma and boost engagement in areas like contraception and pregnancy planning.
We will work closely with younger women (18–45) with T2D, including those from under-served communities, their support networks and healthcare professionals. Using proven methods, we’ll identify where stigma comes from and create targeted motivational content. We’ll also work with healthcare professionals to improve interactions with women.
Our approach is co-designed: women with T2D have already helped shape the study and will guide resource development. A patient co-applicant and advisory group will ensure materials are meaningful—and participants will be compensated for their time.
We plan to share results and resources widely—through networks, conferences, social media, research hubs, and diabetes journals. By reducing stigma, we aim to empower younger women with T2D to seek and receive better care, especially around reproductive health, closing gaps in support and improving outcomes.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0029
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion