Abbott(ABT) Prnewswire·2025-02-04 16:27Core Insights - Abbott's new initiative, "Above the Bias," aims to reduce stigma associated with diabetes and improve the understanding of the condition among the public [6][7] Group 1: Survey Findings - 1 in 6 adults in America now live with diabetes, highlighting the prevalence of the condition [2] - 40% of individuals with diabetes have skipped or missed a doctor's appointment due to feelings of shame or stigma [3][11] - Nearly 70% of respondents believe that supportive comments from others can significantly enhance their motivation to manage their diabetes [3][5] Group 2: Stigma and Misconceptions - Approximately 70% of people living with diabetes perceive stigma associated with their condition [4] - 85% of individuals with diabetes have encountered inaccuracies about the condition in media, with 40% feeling that diabetes is often used as a punchline in jokes [4] - Nearly 25% of individuals have avoided sharing their diabetes diagnosis with family or friends due to embarrassment or concern [11] Group 3: Biometric Responses - Nearly 40% of individuals exhibited an elevated physiological response to stigmatizing statements, indicating the emotional toll of such comments [5] - The question "Should you really be eating that?" elicited the strongest biometric response, comparable to the stress experienced during a job interview [5] Group 4: Abbott's Commitment - Abbott has been a pioneer in diabetes care technology, notably with the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system, which is used by approximately 7 million people in over 60 countries [7][8] - The company emphasizes that technology alone cannot address all barriers faced by individuals with diabetes and calls for broader support from the community [7]