Exploring the role of class stigma in socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes: The Maastricht Study

Studying class stigma in the context of diabetes and socioeconomic inequalities may shed light on the societal factors influencing diabetes. Data from 1947 participants aged 49–88 who participated in the second phase of The Maastricht Study were used. SEP (education, income, occupation) and a six-item classism scale were measured through self-reported questionnaires. Prediabetes and T2D were defined through an oral glucose tolerance test. We conducted multinomial logistic regression analyses to investigate the associations between SEP, classism, and diabetes. About 20.9% ( N = 406) of the study sample had T2D (Mean age = 69.8 ± 6.8; 31.3% women). People with low SEP had T2D (e.g. income OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.54–2.82) and reported perceived classism (e.g. education OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.33–3.21) more often than people with high SEP. Classism was not statistically significantly associated with T2D. Social health inequalities are apparent in T2D; however, our results suggest that class stigma might not be a major factor in the underlying processes. Further research should investigate chronic stress and the intersection of stigmas.