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 every day.
Intentional communication is a powerful tool that can uncover trauma, identify barriers, and move both the provider and person with diabetes toward a greater understanding of the issues involved.
The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining trust, mutual respect, and meaningful long term relationships.
Many people with diabetes have experienced injustice, trauma, marginalization, and are often struggling with feelings of shame and blame.
- Let’s lift people through our commitment to careful listening.
- Let’s choose the language that is person-centered and free from judgment.
- Let’s empower our interactions by identifying and addressing trauma and the impact of social determinants.
FREE Mini Webinar – Lifting People Up with Language
Watch 2020 Lifting People Up with Language 33 minute Webinar Now
Language and Diabetes Powerpoint Handout
FREE Diabetes & Language | Quiz
Topics covered include:
- Learn phrases, words, and approaches that can be left behind.
- Describe diabetes language that is respectful, inclusive, person-centered, and imparts hope.
- Discuss how to evaluate for ACE and provide trauma-informed care.
- Practice communicating about diabetes using phrases free from judgment with a focus on a strength-based approach.
This mini-webinar is free, and no CEs are provided, but there is lots of great info!
Articles and Resources
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 the 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.
Quick Guide on Diabetes and Language for Health Care Professionals – AADE
Empowerment vs. Compliance Model
Action for Happiness – Excellent website filled with actions we can all take to feel better every day.
Trauma-Informed Care Resources
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Resources
ACE Screening Tool and Resilience Inventory
Becoming ACE-Aware Training Program
Nadine Burke Harris, MD TED Talk on How Childhood Trauma affects health
NPR Article – Take the ACE Score and Learn what it does and doesn’t mean
