Have you heard of agency? I’m not talking about an organization or office. I’m hearing and reading agency, meaning the ability to act, more and more. I think of agency as feeling in control.
One place it came up recently was in the language paper AADE and ADA published last year. One of the studies cited in that paper described how when people with diabetes are compared to a standard of “control” they may feel as if they are less in control and have less agency.
Then this quote came up yesterday: “What makes us happy is agency – knowing we have control over what’s happening in our lives.” (Seth Godin)
How applicable for people with diabetes! And as diabetes professionals we can keep this in mind when we counsel, guide, teach, and support people who have diabetes. Think of ways to emphasize the things people do have control over (even when they are feeling like they don’t have any control). Perhaps stop using the word “control” in the context of diabetes numbers and actions. Instead simply say blood glucose levels, A1C, time in range, self-management behaviors/actions, or whatever it is you’re referring to.
Give the gift of agency!