4
Introduction
Care Team
• Proper management of patients with DFUs should include a
multidisciplinary care team.
• The care team may consist of one or more podiatrists, dietitians/
nutritionists, surgeons, primary care, endocrinologists, wound care
specialists, dermatologists, experts in psychosocial care, etc.
Language Guidance for Diabetes-Related Discussions
• How clinicians talk to and about people with diabetes plays an important
role in engagement, conceptualization of diabetes and its management,
treatment outcomes, and psychosocial well-being. For people with
diabetes, language has an impact on motivation, behaviors, and outcomes.
• Every member of the healthcare team can serve people with diabetes more
effectively through a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered approach.
• Stigma that has historically been attached to a diagnosis of diabetes can
contribute to stress and feelings of shame and judgment.
• Person-first, strengths-based, empowering language can improve
communication and enhance the motivation, health, and well-being of
people with diabetes.
• Avoid using the word "diabetic" as a noun, as well as labeling someone "a
diabetic person". This gives the impression that a person is being labeled as
their disease.
• This guide uses the term "diabetic foot ulcer" for simplicity, however the
phrase should be avoided when speaking with patients. Instead, use "foot
ulcer", "ulcer of the foot as a result of diabetes" or similar.
