Category Archives: diabetes advocacy

Diabetes in a failure-based system

Posted on July 2, 2018 by janekdickinson

“Health care is a failure-based system,” is what an MD said to me recently. I can think of many ways we are working with/in a failure-based system. The language is just one. The judgment, shame, blame, and guilt that run … Continue reading →

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The insulin pricing concern

Posted on May 23, 2018 by janekdickinson

A few months back a reporter from our local newspaper interviewed me about the insulin pricing situation. I will admit I felt foolish because I didn’t know a lot about it. I mean, I know that insulin costs too much. … Continue reading →

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Objection! Leading the Patient.

Posted on May 21, 2018 by janekdickinson

At a follow up visit with my son, the first provider ushered us into the room asking leading questions like, “You haven’t had any pain recently?” and so on. The other provider came in the room asking: “You’re not having … Continue reading →

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International Diabetes Federation

Posted on May 9, 2018 by janekdickinson

Are you aware that there’s an international organization focused on helping people with diabetes? The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has initiatives for professionals and people living with diabetes. They even have a philosophy on language! They also partnered with the … Continue reading →

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Telling the truth

Posted on May 7, 2018 by janekdickinson

At diabetes and other health-related visits, there are forms to fill out, questions to answer, numbers to report. Do you tell the truth to health care professionals? Believe it or not there is a belief out there that people with diabetes … Continue reading →

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Improving communication for the right reasons

Posted on April 11, 2018 by janekdickinson

One really can’t avoid articles about communication in health care these days. Patient-provider communication, provider-provider communication, it’s all over the place. Communication has always been key; we just seem to be catching on finally. There are still some gaps, though. … Continue reading →

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Relatedness, competence, and autonomy

Posted on April 9, 2018 by janekdickinson

As human beings we usually want to be happy, healthy, and successful. We are most likely to achieve those three things if we connect with others (relate), learn to do what we need/want to do (be competent), and think for ourselves (have autonomy). … Continue reading →

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Hearing correctly

Posted on April 6, 2018 by janekdickinson

Have you ever had an experience where you heard something differently from the way someone else heard it? I’ve met with patients who, when asked what type of diabetes they have answer, “I don’t have diabetes. No one has ever … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Agency

Posted on April 3, 2018 by janekdickinson

Have you heard of agency? I’m not talking about an organization or office. I’m hearing and reading agency, meaning the ability to act, more and more. I think of agency as feeling in control. One place it came up recently was in the … Continue reading →

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Advocating Ain’t Always eAsy

Posted on March 27, 2018 by janekdickinson

So this happened to me (and my daughter). I don’t know whether to feel embarrassed, upset, or just shocked. Because this is what I talk to patients and students about all the time – advocating for ourselves (and our patients). … Continue reading →

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