Words are powerful. The words we choose to talk to or about people with diabetes are important, especially when they’re our friends or whānau. Similarly, the words people living with diabetes use to talk about themselves can have a huge impact.
The language we use in relation to diabetes can affect the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with diabetes, either in a positive or negative way. What we say has the ability to make someone feel valued, understood, and supported, or misunderstood, stigmatised, and excluded.
There is evidence the current language used around diabetes in the media, healthcare setting and our communities can affect how motivated and empowered people with diabetes feel about managing their condition.
This Diabetes Action Month, it’s time to change the kōrero! By changing the way we talk about diabetes, we can improve health outcomes and help support people with diabetes to manage their health well. For someone with diabetes, self-talk, or your “inner voice” is also very important. How you talk to yourself will have an impact on your emotions, the way you feel and your physical health too.
To learn more and get tips for communicating about diabetes, check out Diabetes New Zealand’s new Language Matters resource here or our Language Matters podcast.
