Many people living with diabetes experience ‘stigma’. Feeling judged, blamed or misunderstood because of their condition.
Whether someone has Type 1, Type 2 or another form of diabetes, managing the condition can be a daily balancing act. Yet many people still find themselves facing comments, assumptions or questions from others who don’t fully understand the realities of living with diabetes.
We regularly see the importance of timely medical care and support for people living with long-term health conditions. Diabetes is a condition where regular monitoring, check-ups and early intervention can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.
‘Striking Out Stigma’
One of the concerns highlighted by Diabetes UK is that some people avoid medical appointments because of feelings of shame, judgement or stigma. Unfortunately, delaying medical advice can mean that complications are identified later than they otherwise would have been.
We’ve seen the serious impact that diabetes-related complications can have when problems affecting circulation, nerve function or eye and foot health are not recognised and treated promptly. Many of the diabetes-related medical negligence cases we see involve delays in recognising or treating problems affecting limb health. What starts as a small cut, ulcer or infection can quickly worsen if not properly assessed and treated, leading to serious complications such as nerve damage, reduced blood flow and, in the most severe cases, the loss of toes, feet or part of a leg.
Diabetes Awareness Week is a reminder of the importance of understanding the condition, support for those affected and access to good healthcare to manage the condition as well as possible.
While most people receive appropriate care there are occasions when signs of diabetes-related complications are missed, concerns are not acted upon, or treatment is delayed. If you have concerns about the care you or a loved one has received in relation to diabetes, call or email our medical negligence specialists today.
