Abbott's 'Above the Bias' Film Highlights the Impact of Diabetes Stigma on Care and Adherence

Abbott, a global healthcare leader, has released a new film titled 'Above the Bias' to raise awareness about the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding diabetes, highlighting how these can negatively impact the psychological well-being and treatment adherence of people living with the condition. The film, launched in conjunction with World Diabetes Day on November 14, aims to challenge everyday comments and biases that people with diabetes face, ultimately promoting a more supportive and understanding environment.

The film, which can be viewed on the Abbott website, features real-life stories and testimonials from people living with diabetes, as well as expert insights from healthcare professionals. It addresses common misconceptions, such as the idea that diabetes is caused by overeating or lack of exercise, and challenges the notion that people with diabetes can be easily identified by their appearance. The film also explores the emotional impact of diabetes stigma, including feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation, and how these can influence treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

According to a survey conducted by Abbott, nearly 70% of people with diabetes believe there is stigma associated with their condition, and almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends due to embarrassment or concern (1). Additionally, 40% of people with diabetes have skipped or missed a doctor's appointment due to shame or stigma, highlighting the significant impact that stigma can have on healthcare access and adherence (1).

The 'Above the Bias' film is part of Abbott's ongoing commitment to supporting people living with diabetes and promoting better care and outcomes. The company's world-leading FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring portfolio, used by about 7 million people in more than 60 countries, has revolutionized diabetes care by providing real-time glucose readings and insights into how food, activity, or insulin impacts glucose levels (4).

To mitigate the effects of shame and embarrassment on treatment adherence and management plans, several steps can be taken. These include increasing public awareness and understanding of diabetes through educational campaigns, fostering a supportive environment for people with diabetes, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare services, and providing peer support through support groups and mentors.

In conclusion, Abbott's 'Above the Bias' film serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that misconceptions and stereotypes can have on people living with diabetes. By challenging everyday comments and biases, the film aims to promote a more supportive and understanding environment, ultimately improving care and outcomes for people with the condition. As the global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, it is crucial to address the stigma surrounding the condition and ensure that people with diabetes have access to the care and support they need to manage their health effectively.

References:
(1) Abbott. (2025, February 4). Abbott's 'Above the Bias' Film Reveals Misconceptions Can Impact Diabetes Care. PRNewswire. Retrieved from