Diabetes stigma refers to negative social judgments, stereotypes, and prejudices about diabetes or about a person due to their diabetes.1 Research shows that people who experience stigma also experience worse mental, physical, and social health outcomes.1 How we discuss diabetes in professional settings, even when people with diabetes aren’t in the room, can make a […]
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Mental health and well-being are essential aspects of diabetes care. Regardless of your specialty as a healthcare provider, being prepared to discuss mental and behavioral health and proactively screening for concerns is key to facilitating improved outcomes.1 Discussions about diabetes and mental health can often feel stigmatizing, complicated, and even harmful to a person’s relationship […]
Diabetes is a chronic disease. But people with diabetes also experience an equally chronic problem: stigma. Underlying this stigma against diabetes are shared, deeply held assumptions about health that are embedded in American culture. The most common and problematic assumption is that health is primarily a matter of individual responsibility. In other words, health is […]
Living with diabetes can transform a person’s relationship with food and nutrition. Whether someone is interested in using nutrition to help manage their weight, eating their favorite foods with the right insulin dose, or understanding how foods impact glucose levels, each individual will have unique priorities when it comes to nutrition guidance. Discussions about food […]
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Having diabetes increases the risk of a number of diabetes-related complications. Finding ways to reduce a person’s chances of developing chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, or other complications is a key part of diabetes care. Complications are also not an “end-point” of diabetes, so supporting a long, healthful, and meaningful life for those living […]
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The way we talk about diabetes, and the way we talk to people with diabetes, is often stigmatizing and judgmental. Our current diabetes language can show a lack of awareness and consideration, and may express conscious or unconscious bias. People with diabetes, their families, and people at risk of diabetes, deserve communications that are clear […]
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 […]