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Destigmatizing Diabetes
Diabetes stigma refers to the negative attitudes, judgment, discrimination, or prejudice directed at individuals simply because they have diabetes. This stigma can manifest both internally and externally. Internal stigma arises when individuals with diabetes internalize negative beliefs, often leading to feelings of self-blame, shame, and guilt. This can result in a sense of personal responsibility for their condition, undermining their self-esteem. In contrast, external stigma is imposed by others through judgmental attitudes, discriminatory behaviors, or insensitive comments. This external stigma can reinforce harmful internal beliefs, further exacerbating the emotional burden on those living with diabetes. The most damaging aspect of…
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Reflecting on a Year of Achievement
As the new year approaches, there’s a temptation to eagerly embrace goal-setting in diabetes care and education, planning for the months ahead. It’s easy to quickly forget about our successes and instead pivot towards new hurdles on the horizon, especially if the past year was challenging or disappointing. While setting new goals can be a positive and motivating practice, it’s essential to reflect on our achievements. Recognizing and acknowledging these successes, irrespective of their scale, not only bolsters our confidence but provides valuable insights. The Practice of Reflection As a diabetes care and education provider, it’s important that we welcome…