How we talk to and about people with diabetes plays an important role in engagement, conceptualization of diabetes and its management, treatment outcomes, and psychosocial wellbeing. A taskforce consisting of representatives from ADCES and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), convened to develop these guidelines using four guiding principles:
- Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease involving many factors and variables
- Every member of the healthcare team can serve people with diabetes more effectively through a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered approach
- Stigma that has historically been attached to a diagnosis of diabetes can contribute to stress and feeling of shame and judgement
- Person-first, strengths-based, empowering language can improve communication and enhance motivation, health and well-being of people with diabetes
Find recommendations for language used by healthcare providers and others in this article from The Science and Diabetes Self-Management and Care journal. Learn more about what you can do through spoken or written words, whether directed to people with diabetes, colleagues, or the general public, as well as research questions related to language and diabetes.