Diabetes surrounding stigma: Conceptual issues, mechanisms involved and challenges

Abstract

Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic. Psychosocial factors have been recognized as an essential element in the management and control of this disease. The diabetes surrounding stigma has recently emerged as a new psychosocial factor that negatively affects patient’s health. However, the recent evidence regarding this phenomenon has not been summarized. This narrative literature review address: (i) conceptual and epidemiological elements that con-tribute to understanding this phenomenon and its magnitude; (ii) the psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological factors involved in the relationship between diabetes stigma and health outcomes in patients with the disease; (iii) challenges and possible research areas.