Spoonful of Laughter: Defeating Diabetes Stigma With Comedy

“I think we need to change the names of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes to ‘Not-Your-Fault diabetes’ and ‘Mostly-Your-Fault diabetes,’” said stand-up comedian Michelle Wolf in her five-minute set on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”

I am going to assume Wolf wasn’t trying to intentionally stigmatize people with diabetes with that joke. Diabetes has long been a comedy punching bag – a quick, consistent way to get laughs from what is essentially a repackaged fat joke.

However, even if contributing to stigma wasn’t Wolf’s intention, it was the impact. And that impact has far-reaching effects: diabetes stigma is associated with worse mental and physical health outcomes for people with diabetes, and it can negatively affect self-management behaviors.

That’s not to say diabetes shouldn’t be joked about. There is absolutely humor to be found in living life with a chronic condition – like trying to figure out how to tell the person you’re on a first date with that you’ve got a few robot parts (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, I’m looking at you!).

However, comedy doesn’t have to contribute to making life harder and more isolating for people with diabetes. Instead, imagine a world where comedy can lead people – giggling – into a kinder, more educated, and more joyful world for all those affected by this chronic condition. 

Sounds better already, doesn’t it? Well, that world actually exists. Please welcome to the stage…Spoonful of Laughter.

What is Spoonful of Laughter?

Spoonful of Laughter is a movement that uses comedy to educate about diabetes, push back against stereotypes and stigma, and encourage more curiosity and less judgment. The goal is to get people to learn – and laugh – with us!

We launched this campaign in 2024 with six hilarious videos that were created with comedians, artists, advocates, industry partners, and producers. Each video showcased slightly different comedy styles, including stand-up, sketches, and sitcoms.

We worked with some amazing creators who were featured in the campaign, including stand-up comedians Sam Morrison, Kesha Carter, and Ashley Monique, writer, filmmaker, and actress Kelsey Bascom, and advocate, content creator, and podcaster Justin Eastzer. 

This year, we brought back several of our original comedians while sprinkling in lots of new faces for a collection of videos that we hope get people smiling, talking, and sharing. Our newest content explores themes ranging from diabetes ASMR to motherhood to rummaging through diabetes supply bags. 

We hope that the videos shine a spotlight on the hidden world of diabetes – the many decisions, stressors, and connections – that often go unrepresented in traditional media. Our content pokes fun at diabetes stigma, portraying the ridiculous circumstances people with diabetes find themselves in, and showcasing that even though diabetes is serious, there’s still humor to be found.

How can I get involved with the movement?

1. Watch and share the campaign videos

All of this year’s Spoonful of Laughter videos will be available to watch on YouTube and Instagram starting October 10. Can’t wait for the new content? Check out last year’s videos while you’re waiting.

Before we ask you to do anything else in the movement to end diabetes stigma, we want you to first watch the shorts and be entertained. You can get started with the first episode we ever released, featuring Morrison and Carter:

If you enjoy the videos, be sure to share them on social media, with friends and family, and even with your healthcare team. We want the whole world to join us in laughing diabetes stigma off the stage. 

2. Join Spoonful of Laughter and learn more about diaTribe’s efforts to dStigmatize diabetes

The next step is to join the movement so you don’t miss anything Spoonful of Laughter-related. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and sign up for the Spoonful of Laughter email list to get sneak peeks of future episodes, exciting updates on diaTribe’s work to address diabetes stigma, and more.

In addition to that, visit SpoonfulofLaughter.org to learn more about diabetes stigma, its impacts on people with diabetes, and our theory of change. Want to really show your commitment? Sign the global Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma.

3. Create and share your own video or story (and tag us!)

We’ve created dozens of videos (and a handful of memes, TikTok trends, and GIFs) as part of Spoonful of Laughter. But it’s going to take a lot more to defeat diabetes stigma for good. That’s why we want to encourage everyone to create their own humorous content to teach people about diabetes and counteract the stereotypes.

So get out that camera and tell us:

• Your funniest diabetes story
• What ridiculous things people have said to you about diabetes on a first date
• The most awkward diabetes technology failure you’ve ever had
• Anything else that makes you laugh about life with a chronic condition

Be sure to tag us @ASpoonfulofLaughter in your content and use the hashtag #SpoonfulofLaughter.

Diabetes stigma is no joke, but we truly believe that the antidote to stigma is a killer punchline. For more information about Spoonful of Laughter, visit the campaign website.

Spoonful of Laughter’s 2025 campaign is a diaTribe initiative with generous support from Vertex. Our 2024 campaign was previously sponsored by Insulet, the maker of Omnipod. Our 2024 media was directed and produced by Ben Jehoshua and Image Line Productions.