Abbott seeks to go ‘above the bias’

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Nearly 70% of people with diabetes believe there is stigma associated with their condition, according to a survey from Abbott, and that can stand in the way of care, says Dr. Mahmood Kazemi.  

“Misconceptions and stereotypes about diabetes can prevent some people from getting care,” said Kazemi, divisional vice president, medical/clinical affairs and chief medical officer, Abbott Diabetes Care. “It’s disheartening. What is promising, though, is that support can lead to progress.” 

Kazemi spoke with HME News recently about Abbott’s new Above the Bias initiative to drive awareness about the health impact of stigmas and the most-dreaded phrase for people living with diabetes. 

HME News: What was the impetus for launching Above the Bias?  

Dr. Mahmood Kazemi: Abbott’s Above the Bias initiative brings to light something that I think a lot of people are unaware of – the health impacts that stigma and bias can have on people living with diabetes. Abbott found in a recent survey of 2,600 people living with diabetes that stigma can also prevent them from seeking support from health care providers. In fact, 40% of people have skipped doctor’s appointments due to shame and stigma. That can have a profound impact on their health. The objective of Above the Bias is to build empathy to help remove the barriers of misconceptions and bias, so people living with diabetes can get the support and care they need to manage their health. 

HME: Was there anything from the survey that was surprising, or did the results track with what Abbott sees among its own patient/customer population?  

Kazemi: The survey also found that 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends due to embarrassment or concern, and 78% feel their mental health has been negatively impacted by living with diabetes. Abbott also conducted biometric testing revealing that nearly 40% of individuals had an elevated physiological response to stigmatizing statements. Most interesting to me was that hearing the phrase “Should you really be eating that?” prompted the strongest physiological body response in the research – like the stress of a job interview or a first date – including an elevated heart rate and increased perspiration.  

HME: Why is it important for Abbott to create this awareness?  

Kazemi: For the past 35 years, Abbott has delivered health care solutions that empower people living with diabetes to make better-informed decisions and make progress on their personal health journeys. Our mission also extends beyond devices to tackle challenges that hinder progress in diabetes care, like the harmful effects of diabetes stigma. We hope that by elevating the issue, anyone with diabetes can feel supported and empowered to get the care they need to live better, healthier lives.