NHS Gloucestershire is encouraging more informed and compassionate conversations around diabetes, as Diabetes Week begins.

Diabetes Week runs from June 8 to 14 and is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the issues that matter most to people living with diabetes.

This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on diabetes stigma, with figures showing that eight in 10 people with diabetes report experiencing negative attitudes – ranging from judgement and blame to harmful misunderstandings. Campaign leaders warn this stigma has a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.

Under the banner of #StrikeOutStigma, this year’s campaign is calling for a shift in how diabetes is understood and discussed.

You can find out more by visiting the NHS Gloucestershire website, or by using the hashtag #StrikeOutStigma on social media.