Thread by @JamesRi81958925

1/14

Time for another #ThursdayThread🧵

In collaboration with @diabetes_chat.

This one is all about diabetes-related language🗣️

For me, it is a topic that really does matter🌟

#diabeteschat #GBDoc

2/14

Language is a sensitive subject for many with #diabetes, and so it should be.

Words spoken or written can affect the receiver in many different ways.

So it's important to be aware of language that an individual with #diabetes has a like 👍/dislike👎 to.

3/14

As a person who lives with #t1d I prefer to say that I am a person who lives with #diabetes rather than a diabetic.

But I know others that prefer to be called a 'diabetic'.

What do you prefer?👍

4/14

As a person who lives with #t1d I dislike the word 'control' when used in the context of glucose management.

I am doing the best I can and there are days which are harder than others to keep my levels as much in target as possible.

What words/phrases do you dislike?👎

5/14

One of the most useful resources when it comes to diabetes-related language is a document called Language matters from @NHSuk:

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/upl…

6/14

It is a brilliant document with only a few pages.

Is it something you have read before?

7/14

In the document it states:

Good use of language; verbal, written and non-verbal (body language) which is more inclusive and values-based, can:
- lower anxiety
- build confidence
- educate
- help to improve self-care
👍

How does good use of language make you feel?

8/14

Poor communication can be:
- stigmatising
- hurtful
- undermining of self-care
- have a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes

This can potentially lead to feelings of shame, guilt and resentment
🙁

How does bad use of language make you feel?

9/14

Let me be clear that diabetes-related language does not just come from healthcare professionals.🧑‍⚕️

Media📺, family and friends 👩‍👩‍👧‍👧are some other examples.

10/14

For those that don't live with #diabetes my advice would be to:
- learn about the condition as much as possible.
- read the language matters document.
- be cautious about your words spoken/written.

11/14

For those that do live with #diabetes my advice would be to:
- speak out when you hear/read something you don't like.
- educate others about your condition and how it effects you.

12/14

For me as a #diabetes specialist nurse, I try to be kind and careful with my words.

I know that if I use unhelpful words it will likely have a negative impact on the person living with the condition.

Potentially causing a lack of trust and respect, and rightly so.

13/14

My awareness of good/bad language has come a lot from my own experiences as a person with #t1d.

I once had a doctor say to me 'how are you going to do better?'. I did not like the question and said that living with #diabetes is very, very hard and I am doing my best.

14/14

For most of my personal consultations though I have experienced great care, support and language👍

It has made me feel proud of all that I have achieved with #t1d.

If you live with #diabetes I hope you receive mostly positive language and rare/none negatives🤞