The Social Stigma with Diabetes
Why Should There Be New Alternatives?
This drive to create such products is the result of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients being embarrassed of the monitoring that must go on in their day to day lives. The feeling has been said to be especially prominent for teenagers with Type 1 diabetes, as they find it embarrassing to monitor their levels while at school or in other public settings.
Design PhD student Gillian McCarthy says the existing designs for the aforementioned devices are still in the prototyping phase, but have brought a wealth of positive responses to her team’s proposals and designs.
McCarthy states, “Some people do want to hide things away… and other people want live, vibrant technology they can show off.” The differing views of managing diabetes shines a light on the complexities of the disease.
Ultimately, these alternatives can create a variety of new opportunities for those diagnosed with diabetes, and can see applications with other diseases as well. Attempts towards such discoveries will help to create a more comfortable environment for those diagnosed with diabetes. The work being done shows promise for breaking past the present stigmas surrounding diabetes, but how is it that these said stigmas came about, and how is it that non-diabetic people can do their part?