Diabetes is recognized as the ninth leading cause of global mortality, with its incidence on the rise worldwide. There has been an upsurge in the research interest in the psychological elements of diabetes, in addition to the management of the physical and medical aspects of this chronic condition. Stigma associated with diabetes can negatively impact the quality of life, increase discomfort related to the condition, and lead to complications due to poor self-care. Individuals with diabetes may experience stigmatization from others as well as from themselves, and often exhibit low self-esteem.

      A recent study published in "Scientific Reports" examined social exclusion in people with diabetes to determine if it was more pronounced in this group. The study analyzed data from two survey waves conducted in 2014 and 2017, involving a total of 6,604 community-dwelling individuals aged over 40. The researchers used statistical methods such as linear regression, group comparison, and generalized estimating equations to explore the relationship between diabetes, social exclusion, socioeconomic factors, physical health, and psychosocial variables.

      The findings indicated that in the entire cohort, diabetes was cross-sectionally associated with social exclusion after accounting for other relevant factors (p = 0.001). Among people with diabetes, social exclusion was further linked to self-esteem (p < 0.001), loneliness (p < 0.001), income (p = 0.017), depression (p = 0.001), physical diseases (p = 0.04), and network size (p = 0.043). Longitudinal data revealed that higher levels of social exclusion were already present before the diagnosis of diabetes. Future social exclusion was predicted by factors such as self-esteem, loneliness, depression, and income, rather than diabetes itself (p = 0.221).

      Based on these observations, the researchers concluded that diabetes does not directly contribute to social marginalization. Instead, they found that both diabetes and social exclusion co-occur as a result of various psychosocial and health-related factors. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the psychosocial aspects of diabetes to improve the overall well-being of individuals with diabetes and mitigate the social exclusion experienced them.