Abbott Senior Medical Manager Calls for Action to End Diabetes Stigma in Colombia

Dr. Isabel Dávila Arteaga, Senior Medical Manager at Abbott, says that language and attitudes fuel the stigma surrounding diabetes, discouraging people from seeking care. She notes that about 40 % of people with diabetes feel the condition is not taken seriously, and one‑in‑four hide their diagnosis due to shame.

Abbott highlights three priority actions: first, addressing the sense of isolation that many patients experience, which can worsen both mental and physical health; second, confronting the stigma that blocks access to medical treatment; and third, promoting empathy and respectful language, avoiding blame‑laden terms such as “diabetic” when used derogatorily. The aim is to empower people with diabetes in Colombia to seek needed support without fear of judgment.