Several years ago the professional diabetes community started working on not using the word “diabetic.” Interestingly, the idea was to stop using “diabetic” as a noun, but it was ok to use it as an adjective. I’ve mentioned before that I avoid using the term altogether, because I don’t find it useful.
I do find it interesting to observe when other people use the word “diabetic.” I wonder if parents who call their kids “diabetics” only see the diabetes when they look at their child; it is a major focus in their life, and I imagine they don’t ever stop thinking about it. I wonder if people who call themselves “diabetics” do so because it helps them remember to keep diabetes at the forefront and take care of it. Or maybe it makes people feel like part of a community.
Or is it just easier? For sure, our language has evolved into one of convenience, and it’s far simpler to say “diabetic” than “person with diabetes” or “people who have diabetes” or “someone living with diabetes.”
Besides not liking labels, I have chosen not to use “diabetic” because for me it’s not uplifting. I was having this conversation with a woman who has diabetes recently and she said when she hears the word “diabetic” she thinks “less than.” That just about summed it up for me! Wow. In fact, we are so much more than diabetes! Diabetes is just one small part of who I am – an important part that I take care of, but not the most important part.
So if you call yourself a diabetic, I support you in that. Maybe that’s all you’ve ever heard and you don’t even think about it. My only hope is that you know that you are more than diabetes.
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Master of Science in Diabetes Education and Management
I use the term diabetic for myself. I’m not one to worry about negative connotations with the word; I didn’t really think there were any. To me it’s just a word that describes one aspect of my life and don’t see it as any different to saying that I have diabetes.
I dislike the term “living with diabetes”. I think if I said that I would sound like I was looking for sympathy. Actually, the only reason for mentioning diabetes is when people are desperate for me to join them in a cake or some chocolate, from which I abstain.
Thanks for sharing this, Richard! I think it’s great that you have such a positive and peaceful approach.
Great post, Jane. I say diabetic but write person with diabetes. For me, it’s just easier – and I have no issue with saying I’m a diabetic. It doesn’t carry some level of negativity or anything for me; just states the obvious that I am in fact a “PWD.” Some feel it’s use makes it seem like diabetes defines them or something, but I just don’t feel that way. But since there’s that feeling out there in our bigger D-Community, I work to respect that as much as possible. So I’m also glad to see the D-organizations doing the same. It may not bother some, but it’s about being inclusive to all perspectives.
Thanks, Mike. I agree with you completely. I’ve always thought that if it bothers one, why do it – easy enough not to. But as far as personal preference goes, well that’s personal preference!
My mother used to introduce me by saying “this is my diabetic daughter”. I felt shamed and infuriated. Why not just brand a big “D” on my forehead?
I much prefer “person with diabetes”.