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 (Meanage = 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.