On Divabetic’s March podcast, we’re talking about how language impacts people’s confidence to manage their diabetes self-care with musical inspiration from Prince. Tune in with the link. 

Words can elevate or destroy someone’s perception of themselves and their health.

Our musical inspiration chose to be identified as the infamous “Love Symbol” rather than a word for many years. He wrote: “It’s all about thinking in new ways, tuning in 2 a new free-quency.”

Could using symbols rather than words, like Prince, help you manage your diabetes wellness?

Unfortunately, much of the language around diabetes has been focused on adverse outcomes and complications and laden with judgment and blame without considering individual needs, beliefs, and choices.

Some enlightened health professionals, like our friend, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES choose to encourage and use collaborative messages to enhance a person’s health outcomes. “How we collaborate with people with diabetes plays an important role in treatment outcomes and the psychosocial well-being of the individuals,” says Susan.

“As health care professionals, we often want to “fix” problems and forget to “listen” to the person with the lived experience. Rather than overwhelming a person with information, she says it’s vital to listen to what is most important to an individual and discuss that issue at the beginning of the appointment or conversation. “For example, if someone is concerned that they can’t afford their medication, they will not be ready to listen to information about nutrition or physical activity. Collaboration and active listening on the part of a clinician is essential to help build a good rapport and help reduce stress for a person living with diabetes.“

We encourage you to show yourself some love!

Divabetic March podcast guests include Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, with music from Prince & The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album courtesy of SONY Music.