“Complications”- We Need a Better Word

I have grown to really abhor the word “complications” in the context of diabetes. In the medical world we have a pretty clear understanding of the possible scope of the word, but in real life the word “complications” is relatively equal to the word “inconveniences.” An online dictionary demonstrates the use of “complications” in its definition as follows: “Because of the complications involved in traveling during the strike, we decided to postpone our trip.” A thesaurus lists “embarrassment”, “aggravation”, “snag”, “drawback”, “difficulty” and “problem” as words meaning the same thing.

Now, I don’t believe in trying to frighten patients into taking diabetes seriously, even though there is plenty to be scared about. But, the dictionary and thesaurus make it clear that in common, everyday language the word “complications” doesn’t call up images of premature heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, or amputation. And, of course these (among other less life-threatening outcomes) are the accepted “complications” of diabetes- a real aggravation!

Diabetes is overwhelming our medical system, and no doubt some patients don’t get messages that adequately emphasize the importance of lifestyle. Studies show many aren’t even overly adherent to their medication schedule, much less diet and exercise. But, it’s one thing to talk about whether patients do or do not receive care that most consider appropriate. It’s something else to perpetuate misconception through standard terminology all medical professionals use. “Complications” as a word has a profoundly different meaning inside the medical community and in common use, and getting patients to take diabetes self-management seriously is no place for misunderstandings.

I’m not sure there’s a single word that can, or should, replace “complication” in discussions about the prospects of serious health outcomes, but “tragedy” comes to mind. That’s an excellent word for describing something terrible that is also unnecessary.I have grown to really abhor the word “complications” in the context of diabetes. In the medical world we have a pretty clear understanding of the possible scope of the word, but in real life the word “complications” is relatively equal to the word “inconveniences.” An online dictionary demonstrates the use of “complications” in its definition as follows: “Because of the complications involved in traveling during the strike, we decided to postpone our trip.” A thesaurus lists “embarrassment”, “aggravation”, “snag”, “drawback”, “difficulty” and “problem” as words meaning the same thing.

Now, I don’t believe in trying to frighten patients into taking diabetes seriously, even though there is plenty to be scared about. But, the dictionary and thesaurus make it clear that in common, everyday language the word “complications” doesn’t call up images of premature heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, or amputation. And, of course these (among other less life-threatening outcomes) are the accepted “complications” of diabetes- a real aggravation!

Diabetes is overwhelming our medical system, and no doubt some patients don’t get messages that adequately emphasize the importance of lifestyle. Studies show many aren’t even overly adherent to their medication schedule, much less diet and exercise. But, it’s one thing to talk about whether patients do or do not receive care that most consider appropriate. It’s something else to perpetuate misconception through standard terminology all medical professionals use. “Complications” as a word has a profoundly different meaning inside the medical community and in common use, and getting patients to take diabetes self-management seriously is no place for misunderstandings.

I’m not sure there’s a single word that can, or should, replace “complication” in discussions about the prospects of serious health outcomes, but “tragedy” comes to mind. That’s an excellent word for describing something terrible that is also unnecessary.