What we say matters.

As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes everyday.

The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining the success of the interaction and long term relationships.

A judgemental and shaming approach can lead to an absence of engagement and self-management as well as “low satisfaction with care and poor clinical outcomes.” People are more likely to follow recommendations provided by a health care professional if they feel that they are in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. 

Researchers utilized the Open University library to assess the impact that negative verbiage had on goals and outcomes. 68 papers were reviewed that took a deeper look at, “communication elements of doctor-patient relationships, including stigma, empowerment, cultural competence, patient satisfaction, and clinical empathy.”  Negative verbiage included in these papers included words such as “uncontrolled,” “non-compliant” or “non-adherent.” It was found that these words often created a disconnect between the health care professional and the patient which led to little to no changes in health status. 

Thoughtful communication provides a sense of support and empathy and moves both provider and patient toward greater satisfaction and success.

Based on powerful research, there is growing movement within diabetes education and beyond, to rethink the words we use and the approaches we take when providing counsel to people with diabetes.

Let’s lift people up by choosing language that is non-judgmental and person centered.

Join our Mini-Webinar to learn more and take your communication to the next level!

What We Say Matters FREE Webinar
February 15, 11:30 to 12:00 PST

Topics covered include:

• Learn the old-fashioned diabetes phrases, words and approaches that can be left behind.
• Describe diabetes language that is respectful, inclusive, person-centered and imparts hope.
• Practice communicating about diabetes using phrases free from judgement with a focus on a strength-based approach.

 What We Say Matters Powerpoint Handout

This mini-webinar is free, and no CEs are provided, but there is lots of great info!

FREE Diabetes & Language | Quiz

This four question quiz is inspired by the recent article, “The Use of Language and Diabetes Care” by Dickinson et al. What words we choose, our body gestures and the use of certain terms can have a tremendous impact on our interactions with people living with diabetes. This quiz highlights a few key areas where we may want to rethink our approach or feel reassured that we are on the right track.

To learn more about this topic,

Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education – 2017 ADA & AADE 
Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. This article provides recommendations for language used by health care professionals and others when discussing diabetes 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. 

Appropriate language in clinical settings beneficial in diabetes care