Matthew Garza: What It Takes to End Diabetes Stigma

Matthew Garza, Director of dStigmatize at diaTribe, joins us to unpack a topic that so many people living with type 1 diabetes feel—but don’t always have words for: diabetes stigma. From subtle judgment to systemic bias, stigma can shape how people see themselves, how they interact with healthcare, and even the outcomes they experience over time.

Matthew shares what diabetes stigma really is, why it’s more than just “a bad joke,” and how it shows up everywhere: from doctor visits to media portrayals to policy decisions. But this conversation isn’t just about naming the problem—it’s about what we can do to address it.

We talk about the real impact stigma has on mental health, self-care, and engagement with the healthcare system. We discuss how small shifts in language, community, and confidence can start to change the story. This is a powerful, validating conversation for anyone who’s ever felt blamed, judged, or misunderstood while living with diabetes, and an important reminder that none of this is your fault.

What You'll Learn

• How stigma goes beyond hurtful comments to influence healthcare, research, and policy decisions
• The connection between stigma, shame, burnout, and disengagement from care 
• Why negative healthcare experiences can create a cycle that’s hard to break
• How language choices (like “control” or “compliance”) can unintentionally reinforce stigma
• Simple ways friends, family, and providers can be more supportive
• Practical ways to push back against stigma in your own life
• Why your lived experience with diabetes is real expertise—and deserves to be respected

Key Quotes

• “Diabetes stigma is everywhere, and as soon as you start to notice it, you see just how insidious it is.” – Matthew Garza
• “It can feel really dismissive and make people want to disengage.” – Matthew Garza
• “When you find those allies, that helps it feel a lot less lonely and a lot less isolating.” – Matthew Garza  

Resources & Links

• End Diabetes Stigma Pledge – https://enddiabetesstigma.org
• dStigmatize – https://dstigmatize.org
• diaTribe – https://diatribe.org
• Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.