People with diabetes, their families, and people at risk of diabetes, deserve communications that are clear and accurate, respectful, inclusive, and free from judgment and bias. What are simple principles for appropriate and effective communication? The words we use to talk about diabetes often reflect a lack of awareness or consideration, or may express conscious […]
In all cases, aim to use language that is neutral, nonjudgmental, and based on facts, actions, or physiology/biology. In addition, use language that is person-centered and encourages collaboration between people with diabetes and their entire care team. And finally, be intentional about avoiding words or phrases that indicate a value judgment or blame (such as […]
What are the objectives of this discussion guide? Discussion Questions […]
Do you have an editorial policy or style guidelines that include recommendations for language related to diabetes? If so: If not: What processes do you use to ensure that internal and external communications teams avoid stigmatizing language when talking about diabetes, and people with diabetes and prediabetes? Click here to download a PDF version of […]
Many health professionals are incredibly supportive of people with diabetes and skilled at delivering compassionate, person-centered care and treatment. However, studies show that people with diabetes experience implicit and explicit stigma from health professionals.1-3 What do we know? Unfortunately, implicit and explicit bias against people with diabetes is common among health professionals. In a study […]
There have been many innovations in the technology that people with diabetes use to monitor their glucose levels and deliver insulin in recent years. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have all contributed to helping people better manage their diabetes. However, conversations around diabetes-related technology and devices can sometimes […]
Read More… from How to Talk About Diabetes-Related Technology
Whether it’s metformin, insulin, or newer medications like SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or dual agonists, there are dozens of helpful medications designed to help people with diabetes manage their glucose levels and reduce their risk for diabetes-related complications. However, conversations around diabetes medications, especially insulin, can be difficult and fraught with stigmatizing and judgmental […]
Read More… from How to Talk About Diabetes-Related Medications
Each year, diaTribe hosts the Lightning Talks, a virtual event that brings leading researchers, advocates, and health professionals together to educating people and raise awareness around diabetes stigma. In 2020, diaTribe welcomed the CEO of the FrameWorks Institute, Nat Kendall-Taylor, who introduced us to the science of changing public perceptions through narrative creation and framing […]
Read More… from Lightning Talks: Nat Kendall-Taylor on Narrative Framing
Definitions & Background Diabetes stigma includes the negative stereotypes, blame, judgment, and prejudice that people with diabetes (PWD) experience.1 This type of stigma can lead to discrimination; the unfair or prejudicial treatment of PWD.1 Research suggests as much as 80% of adults with diabetes report experiencing diabetes stigma2 coming from numerous sources: Healthcare professionals (HCPs), […]
Read More… from Checking Our Bias: Removing Stigma in the Clinical Setting
At the d20 Executive Innovation Lab, we took on the ambitious goal of dismantling diabetes stigma. If you want to get involved in disrupting diabetes stigma, please see the three-step primer below for videos to watch and exercises to complete. We have adapted and consolidated the learnings from d20’s pilot program to provide this foundational knowledge […]