Category Archives: diabetes advocacy

Three choices

Posted on November 10, 2018 by janekdickinson

The American Diabetes Association says we have three choices for living with diabetes. Here’s my take on those choices: Manage it. Yes! We have many tools and resources available to help us manage and live well with diabetes. Check out … Continue reading →

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One Day Every Year

Posted on October 31, 2018 by janekdickinson

My dog has a jack-o-lantern collar, which means he’s stylish one day out of every year. Today’s the day, folks! It’s also a day when kids with diabetes may wish they didn’t have it. The cool thing about 2018, though, … Continue reading →

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What the language movement is not

Posted on October 24, 2018 by janekdickinson

  In diabetes, we are changing the world…of language. We are becoming aware of the words we use and messages we send, because we know they make a difference. #languagematters Sometimes we call it changing the conversation and other times … Continue reading →

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Sugar Coating vs. Tough Love

Posted on October 12, 2018 by janekdickinson

*CRS Q/A Question: “Sugar coating” is not honest. “Tough Love” should be the motive. How to balance? When I see/hear this type of question I immediately think I’m not doing a good job communicating the intent of this language movement. … Continue reading →

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Suggestions for replacing ‘should’

Posted on August 6, 2018 by janekdickinson

“‘Should’ is the most self-defeating word in the English language” – Steve Chandler. I bet it wasn’t always that way. Linguists could tell us the origin of “should” and how it was really meant to be used. Somewhere along the … Continue reading →

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Parents of/with diabetes

Posted on August 3, 2018 by janekdickinson

Check out the cuteness of my parents. They raised me to know (without ever saying it out loud) that diabetes would not stop me from doing anything. It turns out the nurse diabetes educator in the hospital where I was … Continue reading →

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Know your diabetes medications

Posted on July 27, 2018 by janekdickinson

People with diabetes very often need medications to manage and keep blood glucose levels in a safe range. We do this in order to protect our blood vessels and reduce the risk for long-term complications. In order to take medications … Continue reading →

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Turn surviving into thriving

Posted on July 20, 2018 by janekdickinson

“When you’re surviving you can’t dream” Michael Ketterer. Well that’s profound. When I think about examples of people surviving, it’s clear to me that this is true. When we are focused on getting by, getting through the next moment, day, … Continue reading →

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Focusing on success in diabetes

Posted on July 16, 2018 by janekdickinson

Uncontrolled, poor control, poorly controlled, bad control, and even their counterparts good control, well controlled, and so on. These words, along with compliance and adherence, comprise the language of judgment, shame, blame, and guilt in diabetes. They focus on failure. … Continue reading →

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Adapting failure in a success-oriented approach

Posted on July 9, 2018 by janekdickinson

I am still thinking about what I heard about health care being a “failure-based system,” and I can’t helping insisting that it’s possible to adapt that failure mindset into a success mindset. What would a success-oriented approach or system look like? … Continue reading →

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