F13 - Overcome Weight and Diabetes Stigma to Optimize Cardiometabolic Outcomes

Experienced and internalized stigma has a significant impact on patient outcomes. People with diabetes at higher weights report experiencing stigma related to both their diagnosis and weight status, which further compounds the effects of physiological, psychological, and behavioral sequelae. Weight management is centered as a primary intervention for people with diabetes to optimize glucose and cardiovascular outcomes, creating a challenge for clinicians seeking to support patients without exacerbating internalized biases. This session will help attendees identify their own implicit biases, and provide counseling tips to foster a collaborative, respectful therapeutic relationship that optimizes patient engagement and outcomes.