Well-being for People with Diabetes —Destigmatization through Advocacy Activities—

Abstract

 Well-being encompasses not just physical and mental health, but also social and economic fulfillment. The awareness of well-being has been rapidly increasing in the field of diabetes.

 The term "diabetes mellitus" conveys a highly negative image in Japan. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care, 72.5% of people with diabetes feel stigmatized, and 78.9% would prefer the disease's name to be changed. The stigma surrounding diabetes stems from the historical perception that many people with diabetes died from vascular diseases half a century ago, along with the notion that "diabetes is the result of a lazy lifestyle."

 Previously, it was believed that people with diabetes had a life expectancy 10 years shorter than that of non-diabetic individuals. However, the life prognosis for Japanese people with diabetes has improved, and this gap has narrowed each year. Vascular diseases have significantly decreased, and cancer is now the leading cause of death. It is crucial to understand that people with diabetes are at a heightened risk for certain cancers, including pancreatic and liver cancer.

 The goals of diabetes management are to improve metabolic abnormalities resulting from hyperglycemia, prevent complications and comorbidities, and achieve a quality of life (QOL) and life expectancy comparable to those of non-diabetic individuals. Diabetes stigma can impact self-care and self-esteem, and it may hinder people with diabetes from receiving appropriate treatment. It is essential to diminish negative attitudes and discrimination toward diabetes through advocacy efforts.

 This article is based on a presentation delivered at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Health Evaluation and Promotion, and aims to provide updated information on diabetes treatment, as well as a deeper understanding of diabetes and well-being.