One in three people experience discrimination due to their diabetes

Details announced for global summit on ending diabetes stigma.

A global summit to address the impact of stigma related to diabetes will be held in India next year.

The Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma has been announced from 28th to 29th March 2026 in Jaipur.

The event comes as an international group of 51 experts from 18 countries pledge to end stigma for the 589 million people living with diabetes around the world.

Recent reports have suggested that one in three people experience discrimination related to their diabetes, while four in five experience stigma due to their diabetes.

The Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma aims to provide the “logical next step”, following recommendations of an international consensus, and related Pledge, to #EndDiabetesStigma. An international consensus report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology said: “Diabetes stigma and discrimination are harmful, unacceptable, unethical, and counterproductive. Collective leadership is needed to proactively challenge, and bring an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination.”

Organisers said: “The international consensus and Pledge are unique, community-driven initiatives, developed by an alliance of 51 experts from 18 countries, each bringing diverse lived, research, and clinical experience. While these experts are affiliated with numerous organisations around the world, the consensus and Pledge were created independently, for broad relevance and adoption. Being a global community alliance increases legitimacy, relevance, reach, inclusivity, independence, collective credibility and impact. The Global Summit is proudly sponsored by The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, a partnership for better health between Diabetes Victoria and Responsibility team at Deakin University.”

Professor Jane Speight, co-lead of the international consensus, on the announcement of the Global Summit, said: “The Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma is the next logical and powerful step. It will drive the next wave of global action.” Read the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma brochure