It is important to be mindful of the language that is used to identify people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their lifestyle. Many people use words or phrases that can be considered demeaning when referring to people with T1D. Even though they mean well, their language can make some people with T1D feel self-conscious. The message that words convey can be perceived as moralizing, and have an impact on how people with T1D and their family and friends see their condition. 

What are neutral words or phrases we can use to avoid stigmatization?

Here are some examples of language that should be replaced by more neutral variants.

Moralizing or stigmatized phrasesMore neutral variantsExplanation
diabetic (as a noun)person living with type 1 diabetesIndividuals are not defined by their medical condition. It’s important to put the person first, and not the illness.
normal person (referring to a non-diabetic person)person without diabetesThis language implies that people with type 1 diabetes are not normal.
diabetes controldiabetes managementControlling diabetes would imply replacing the only organ that can perfectly control blood sugar, which is the pancreas, and that is impossible.
poor/good conduct 

poor/good blood sugar levels		acting according to the treatment plan or not

in-range/out-of-range blood sugar levels		Adjectives such as “good” or “bad” are subjective and can sound moralizing.