Language matters: Guidance for person-centred diabetes communication in Ireland

Language is a powerful tool that shapes how people experience diabetes, their engagement with care and ultimately their outcomes. This guidance document for healthcare professionals in Ireland outlines why Language Matters in diabetes care and aims to support person-centred, strengths-based and non-judgemental communication.

The guidance was developed by an Irish multidisciplinary working group, including healthcare professionals, researchers and people with lived experience of diabetes. The group drew on international Language Matters guidance, published evidence, Irish data on diabetes-related language, stigma, distress and healthcare engagement, and insights from lived experience to develop practical recommendations for person-centred diabetes communication.

Stigmatising or judgemental words can contribute to diabetes distress, disengagement and suboptimal self-management. This guidance provides practical recommendations to foster collaboration, reduce stigma and improve quality of life. Key recommendations include using person-first language, avoiding blame and fear, ensuring consistency across teams, and embedding reflective practice and communication training within healthcare teams.

Language is a core component of diabetes care. Consistent use of respectful, empathetic and non-judgemental communication may strengthen therapeutic relationships, support engagement with care and help create a culture in which people living with diabetes feel understood, respected and empowered.