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Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. A task force, consisting of representatives from the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association, convened to discuss language in diabetes care and education. The literature supports the need for a language movement in diabetes care and education. There are effective ways of communicating about diabetes. This article provides recommendations for language used by health care professionals and others when discussing diabetes through spoken or written words, whether directed to people with diabetes, colleagues, or the general public, as well as research questions related to language and diabetes., Competing Interests: B.M. is employed by Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. K.L.C.: Close Concerns reports that several academic institutions, government bodies, and pharmaceutical and device companies in the diabetes field subscribe to the company’s fee-based newsletter; Closer Look and The diaTribe Foundation reports that it receives donations from a number of pharmaceutical and device companies in the diabetes field. M.M.F. served as an advisory panel member for Eli Lilly and Sanofi. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

Given the growing prevalence and accelerating cost of diabetes, there is an urgent need to expand strategies in health care that improve access and outcomes and reduce the financial and human burden of the disease. Diabetes care and education specialists (DCESs) are well positioned to assist health care systems with delivery models that enhance diabetes care through evidence-based standards and quality improvement strategies. DCESs have increased opportunities to apply their competencies in primary, specialty, hospital, and acute care settings; accountable care organizations; community settings; research; and academia. Two national certification programs provide an evidence-based foundation for quality in the specialty, with updated competencies guiding practice. This article serves as a call to action for health care systems to integrate specialists in diabetes care and education into diabetes care delivery models and raise awareness of the positive impact these professionals have on the lives of people with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author offers information on the role of health care professionals (HCPs) in developing healthy relationship with patients. Topics discussed include the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) stress on the need for patient-centered care in its Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2016 HCPs role to create awareness and willingness for diabetic people to take best possible care of themselves and the People First Language movement in diabetes care.