Living with a complex, chronic health condition like type 1 diabetes (T1D) is complicated, expensive, and burdensome. Most people live long, happy, healthy, and satisfying lives with T1D, yet there is a large body of evidence that mental health concerns and behavioral challenges are common, and interfere with self-management, quality of life, and health. At the same time, there are not enough professionals who have knowledge of the complex interplays between diabetes and psychosocial factors to meet the needs of the large and growing population of people with T1D, and their families.
To help address this gap, the Type 1 Diabetes Mental Health Workbook was created to provide a concise, practical resource for mental health clinicians and therapists to use in their care of young people with T1D. The workbook is divided into eight sections:
Overview of T1D
Language and communication about T1D
Challenges associated with a new T1D diagnosis
Approaches to addressing T1D self-management challenges
Emotions associated with T1D
Mood concerns and T1D
T1D-related worries and anxiety
Additional considerations
Chapter 2: Language and Communication About T1D Available to Purchase
-
Published:2023
"Language and Communication About T1D", Type 1 Diabetes Mental Health Workbook: A Practical Resource for Providing Behavioral and Mental Health Support to Young People with Type 1 Diabetes, and Their Families
Download citation file:
Preview
It is critical for professionals working with people with T1D and their family members to use the most current, nonjudgmental, professional language to communicate respect and understanding. The American Association of Diabetes Care &Education Specialists and ADA developed language use guidelines for diabetes care and education consistent with five anchoring principles. While people with T1D may use their own preferred terminology to talk about themselves or their experiences with T1D (e.g., “diabetic,” “bad blood sugars”), we recommend professionals adhere to these guidelines consistently.
Language choices can be a useful intervention target when working with youth with T1D and their parents. Words like “noncompliant” can sound accusatory or judgmental when used by medical providers. Similarly, adolescents may perceive parents’ use of language as judgmental or disapproving, which can lead to conflict and difficulty with collaborative teamwork when managing T1D.
