Justin's Story

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Language and Diabetes-Diabetes Blog Week 2016

Topic for today:
There is an old saying that states “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. I'm willing to bet we've all disagreed with this at some point, and especially when it comes to diabetes. Many advocate for the importance of using non-stigmatizing, inclusive and non-judgmental language when speaking about or to people with diabetes. For some, they don't care, others care passionately. Where do you stand when it comes to “person with diabetes” versus “diabetic”, or “checking” blood sugar versus “testing”, or any of the tons of other examples? Let's explore the power of words, but please remember to keep things respectful.
Diabetes Blog Week



I honestly am one of the people that it really doesn't matter either way. I do try not to label him as "the diabetic." Usually if I'm introducing Justin to other people within the diabetes community I will say he's my T1D.  Other than that he's Justin, and if they need to know he has Type 1 diabetes.  I try not to let words bother me too much, diabetes is stressful enough for me, and him.  

As for testing, sometimes we say check blood sugar other times I tell him to test....again, no big preference.  


I just don't like if people are talking about diabetes in a uneducated way, not knowing facts, and blaming him, or me for it.  That's when words hurt. 

#Diabetes with a slice of cake or indulgent dessert is really annoying also.....but mostly I try to ignore it because I don't need any added stress, as irritating as it is.  

That's all I've got today...see you tommorow :)


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