Over the past few years, the concept of “Language Matters” has gained significant traction within the diabetes community. The core idea is that positive language can lead to better management outcomes, whereas certain language can perpetuate stigma, blame, and shame, resulting in worse outcomes. The guidelines, now translated into over 15 languages worldwide, also address aspects such as non-verbal communication, correcting misinformation, ensuring clarity of messaging, and appropriate language use in family settings and mass media.
A portion of these guidelines delves into the terminology used to refer to individuals with diabetes. Within the community however, the debate ranges from referring to individuals as ‘people with diabetes’ or ‘persons with diabetes’ rather than ‘diabetic.’ This shift is intended to be part of a broader movement from a patient-centric to a person-centric narrative.
Where do I stand on this debate? Personally, I have no problem being called diabetic, or even patient. However, I understand that many people do, and that's perfectly valid. Given the subjective nature of these preferences, where does that leave healthcare professionals, journals, and public messaging?
Objectively speaking, within the confines of a hospital, you are ‘technically’ a patient. Some members of the community perceive this term as an attack or insult. Why? It’s simply a term used to identify different stakeholders within a hospital. The argument is that individuals are not always patients, which is fair. However, this is a narrative individuals can control in their personal lives. The way you talk about yourself with family and friends can influence what they call you.
My stance has always been clear, and it aligns with most guidelines: when you meet a person with diabetes, just ask them how they prefer to be addressed. If you ask me, I’ll say it doesn’t matter. However, someone else might have a clear preference, and that's okay too. In a world where we ask for gender pronouns, it's reasonable to ask how someone prefers to be addressed.
But what about addressing the masses? The key message remains: avoid using stigmatizing language. For the diabetes community, it’s important not to take everything too personally.
To me, the most crucial aspect of the “Language Matters” movement is fostering a non-judgmental attitude when discussing diabetes and treating individuals with kindness and empathy. You could call someone a ‘person with diabetes’ and still be judgmental, or call them diabetic and support them in their journey. It’s not just about what’s in a name—it’s about everything else behind it.
Rapid Response:
Re: #TalkAboutComplications Whats in a Name
Dear Editor
What’s in a Name?
Over the past few years, the concept of “Language Matters” has gained significant traction within the diabetes community. The core idea is that positive language can lead to better management outcomes, whereas certain language can perpetuate stigma, blame, and shame, resulting in worse outcomes. The guidelines, now translated into over 15 languages worldwide, also address aspects such as non-verbal communication, correcting misinformation, ensuring clarity of messaging, and appropriate language use in family settings and mass media.
A portion of these guidelines delves into the terminology used to refer to individuals with diabetes. Within the community however, the debate ranges from referring to individuals as ‘people with diabetes’ or ‘persons with diabetes’ rather than ‘diabetic.’ This shift is intended to be part of a broader movement from a patient-centric to a person-centric narrative.
Where do I stand on this debate? Personally, I have no problem being called diabetic, or even patient. However, I understand that many people do, and that's perfectly valid. Given the subjective nature of these preferences, where does that leave healthcare professionals, journals, and public messaging?
Objectively speaking, within the confines of a hospital, you are ‘technically’ a patient. Some members of the community perceive this term as an attack or insult. Why? It’s simply a term used to identify different stakeholders within a hospital. The argument is that individuals are not always patients, which is fair. However, this is a narrative individuals can control in their personal lives. The way you talk about yourself with family and friends can influence what they call you.
My stance has always been clear, and it aligns with most guidelines: when you meet a person with diabetes, just ask them how they prefer to be addressed. If you ask me, I’ll say it doesn’t matter. However, someone else might have a clear preference, and that's okay too. In a world where we ask for gender pronouns, it's reasonable to ask how someone prefers to be addressed.
But what about addressing the masses? The key message remains: avoid using stigmatizing language. For the diabetes community, it’s important not to take everything too personally.
To me, the most crucial aspect of the “Language Matters” movement is fostering a non-judgmental attitude when discussing diabetes and treating individuals with kindness and empathy. You could call someone a ‘person with diabetes’ and still be judgmental, or call them diabetic and support them in their journey. It’s not just about what’s in a name—it’s about everything else behind it.
Competing interests: No competing interests