# Diabetes stigma in Colombia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/diabetes-stigma-in-colombia > Updated: 2026-07-29T23:27:56.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Abbott officials have highlighted the pervasive stigma surrounding diabetes in Colombia, noting that roughly 40 % of patients feel their condition is not taken seriously and about one‑quarter conceal their diagnosis due to shame. The stigma fuels emotional distress, hampers treatment adherence, and leads some patients to postpone or cancel medical appointments, further complicating glucose management. Abbott’s senior medical staff emphasize the need for empathetic, person‑centered communication and the avoidance of blame‑laden language. They propose three priority actions: reducing patients’ sense of isolation, removing stigma‑related barriers to medical care, and promoting respectful terminology. Continuous glucose‑monitoring technologies such as the FreeStyle Libre are also cited as tools that can mitigate uncertainty and support self‑care. Collectively, the messages call for education, respectful dialogue, and greater access to supportive technologies to improve both mental health and diabetes outcomes in Colombia. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-29: Abbott Senior Medical Manager Calls for Action to End Diabetes Stigma in Colombia Abbott’s Dr. Isabel Dávila Arteaga urges Colombia to fight diabetes stigma by changing language, reducing isolation, and improving access to care. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abbott-senior-medical-manager-calls-for-action-to-end-diabetes-stigma-in-colombia ### 2026-07-25: Diabetes stigma harms mental health and treatment adherence in Colombia In Colombia, stigma around diabetes leads to isolation, missed appointments, and higher stress‑induced glucose levels; empathetic language and continuous monitoring are urged to improve mental health and care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diabetes-stigma-harms-mental-health-and-treatment-adherence-in-colombia --- Cite as: Diabetes stigma in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/diabetes-stigma-in-colombia