Millions of people with diabetes are facing stigma, blame and unhelpful stereotyping, the UK's leading diabetes charity has warned. A major survey of 1,608 adults with the condition found 86% with type 1 diabetes and 75% with type 2 had experienced blame or judgement. More than half of people with type 1 said some people think they need insulin because they have not looked after themselves, while a similar proportion with type 2 experience negative stigma around the condition being a "lifestyle disease".

Charity Diabetes UK, which shared the YouGov research, is launching a "Strike Out Stigma" campaign on World Diabetes Day this Friday. It is urging everyone to challenge misconceptions and help ensure that the 12 million Britons who have diabetes or prediabetes are treated with empathy and respect.

Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2, which develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly. It is caused factors including age, family history and being overweight or obese.

Meanwhile, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin.

Amelia Trencher, 21, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago while studying at university, after feeling nauseous and drained of energy. The news was a "massive shock" and it was sadly not long before she experienced stigma.

Amelia, of York, said: "When I told people that I had diabetes there always seem to be that intrusive question of 'what type?' almost in a judgmental sort of way.

"Or I might be out with friends and be eating something and someone would say 'are you sure you should be eating that?'.

"With my friends I know it always came from a good and well-meaning place, but it felt like they didn't fully understand my situation and realise that I was capable of deciding what I can and can't eat."

Others who heard about her diagnosis asked whether it was caused by eating too much sugar, or questioned how someone who is young and healthy could have diabetes.

Amelia said the comments made her question herself and "wonder at times if I did do something wrong". She added: "Comment can feed into the internal stigma and how I feel about my diabetes - even if they don't mean to.

"I wish people knew about the mental burden of living with type 1 diabetes. People assume that you check your blood sugars now and then, you inject insulin a couple of times a day and apart from that you're fine.

"But type 1 diabetes is 24/7 and I'm constantly checking my blood sugars and assessing, 'can I go for that walk?' or 'can I eat something?', or 'how much insulin do I need now if I'm going to do some exercise later?'. It's relentless."

Diabetes UK's survey is the first UK version of the Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale, used to measure perceived and experienced stigma related to living with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in six other countries around the world.

It also found that half of people with diabetes had missed healthcare appointments due to fear of stigma.

The charity's chief executive, Colette Marshall, said:"For far too many people with diabetes, managing their physical health is only part of the challenge. Every day, people tell us they feel blamed, judged or made to feel like their diabetes is their fault.That'ssimply wrong.

"Through our'Strike Out Stigma'campaign we'recalling on everyone - from friends and families,schools,employersand healthcare professionals - to move past the misconceptions and judgement that surround diabetes.

"Together, we can create a society that leadswithcompassion and understanding."

Jim Crossland, 26, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged two and says it has both made him stronger and "completely beaten me". Over the years, he has struggled with facing stigma and ignorant comments.

Jim recalled examples: "'Oh, you're diabetic, don't collapse on me', 'how are you diabetic, you're skinny', 'you don't look that diabetic', 'you just need to stab yourself and eat loads of sugar, right?'

"I think these get to me most as they are simplifying something so complex. Of course, it's not malicious, there is just a lack of education around type 1."

Jim, of Brixton, south London, said he often did not correct people at university as he worried they "would think I wasn't fun if I had diabetes". He is lucky to have friends who understand his condition and support him but the mental strain can take a heavy toll.

He added: "The physical stigma has also impacted me, I refuse to have a pump as I'm phobic it will get in the way of my sport and active life. I also look at myself in the mirror and find my Libre (flash glucose monitor) unattractive, this is something I'm trying to solve in my head and slowly making ground."

Jim has started running marathons for Diabetes UK and other charities to fight the stigma and show people that "type 1 diabetes should never get in the way".

He added: "It's ruined relationships I've had, it made me my most low and made me my most ill but has also made me resilient and aware.

"It's worth saying I have been able to achieve everything I wanted and more in my life. I haven't let type 1 get in the way at all, it comes with me but never blocks me.

"I've run marathons, been abroad, love going out, play all sports, been on stage, gone to music festivals and it has always worked out."

Diabetes touches almost every family in the country, as currently more than 12 million people in the UK are living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Yet every day, people with diabetes face blame, judgement and harmful misconceptions about a condition that is quite simply never their fault.

Whether it's disapproving comments from family members about food choices, or pressures to administer an insulin injection more discreetly, there's absolutely no doubt that diabetes stigma causes harm.

The problem is widespread and impacts people with all types of diabetes. Research carried out by YouGov for Diabetes UK shows 86% of people with type 1 diabetes and 75% of those with type 2 diabetes have experienced blame or judgement about their condition in their daily lives.

Stigma can be felt at home, at work and even in healthcare appointments and it has serious consequences. It can lead to shame, isolation, and poorer mental health, and may even affect how people manage their diabetes.

More than half of the people we surveyed said that stigma, judgement or shame means they sometimes avoid medical appointments.

This puts their health at risk, as missed appointments can lead to devastating complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and sight loss.

This is why Diabetes UK is leading a movement to 'strike out stigma'. We need to challenge the myths and misinformation that surround diabetes and build a society rooted in empathy, understanding and respect.

Research into diabetes is moving forward faster than ever. It's time our attitudes advanced too. Together, we can strike out stigma for good and ensure everyone living with diabetes gets the respect, care and support they deserve.

If you have been affected by diabetes stigma, Diabetes UK has a dedicated helplineon 0345 123 2399for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk.

- Colette Marshall is Diabetes UK chief executive