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At the Bermuda Diabetes Association, we know that it can be hard to live with diabetes and other chronic conditions. But no one should have to manage their health alone. Everyone can benefit from support and care from their friends, their family, healthcare professionals and the community at large. Sometimes, the language we use around diabetes might not be as supportive as we think. What we say to people with diabetes might not match what they hear or understand. It’s not just what we say or write: even non-verbal communication (like body language) can be interpreted and internalised. We all have a responsibility to make sure we know how our words and behaviour impact people’s ability to manage their conditions. This guide aims to offer person-oriented language that can help make it easier for people who have diabetes to live their best lives.
Language directly affects our thoughts, feelings, behaviour and experiences. It can encourage or discourage us. When used positively, it can make people feel valued, supported and understood. But when used negatively, it canmake them feel stigmatised, undermined and misunderstood.
For people living with diabetes, negative language can worsen diabetes-related distress and affect their general well-being. Stigmatising language can affect their motivation to engage, seek help or use medicines or technologies. This can lead to complications and worsen their condition.
Awareness is the first step to ensuring ourlanguage is helpful and not harmful. Below are a few commonly used terms thatcan have negative impacts, along with suggested alternatives. By using these empathetic, empowering and person-oriented alternatives, you can help create a more supportive community environment for people living with diabetes.
Try Not to Say... | Instead... |
|---|---|
High Pressure words like...
| Use Low Pressure Words like...
|
Negative descriptors like…
Example: Michael is a diabetic. | Say:
Example: Michael has diabetes. |
“Normal”/ “Normal person” | Say “Person without diabetes” |
“Disease” | Say “Condition” |
"Obese" | Say "has excess weight," or "has obesity" |
| Avoid commenting on it. |
For more examples, check out this excellent language guide from dStigmatize.
Want to learn more about what to do and say o support people living with diabetes? Check out the resources on our website and consider becoming a Diabetes Anti-Stigma Ambassador.
Diabetes.bm should have the following resources listed on the site:
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