LDC Presents: The M3 Podcast
The Leicester Diabetes Centre podcast brings the latest diabetes research to life through accessible conversations with researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience.
Our opening series focuses on the M3 study, which is testing a new type of care for young adults (16–45 years) living with type 2 diabetes. Designed around the things that matter most to them, the study explores tailored support, new technologies, and practical management strategies that make a real difference in daily life.
Listeners can expect:
- Clear, practical insights from world-leading researchers
- Honest discussions on the unique challenges of managing early onset type 2 diabetes
- Expert perspectives on emerging topics such as pregnancy, technology, and wider social and economic issues
Whether you’re living with diabetes, working in healthcare, or simply interested in the latest research, this podcast will help you discover how evidence can transform diabetes care.
Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode.
LDC Presents: The M3 Podcast
Breaking the Stigma: Young Adults and Type 2 Diabetes
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Michelle Hadjiconstantinou, Lead Chartered Psychologist at the Leicester Diabetes Centre and Behavioural Scientist at the University of Leicester. Together, we explore the prejudice and stigma that young adults living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) often face.
From well-meaning friends and family suggesting that someone “must be eating too much or not exercising enough,” to healthcare professionals commenting that “your sugar levels aren’t good enough,” young adults can encounter a constant stream of negative assumptions and language. These experiences can have profound effects on psychological well-being, leading some to avoid healthcare interactions or even hide their diagnosis from people close to them.
While awareness of diabetes-related stigma is growing, there is still much more work to be done. We discuss how continued efforts are needed to educate the media, healthcare professionals, communities, and families, and to advocate for policies that challenge negative stereotypes and help de-stigmatise T2DM.