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You are here: Home / Blog / “Complications”- We Need a Better Word

“Complications”- We Need a Better Word

September 4, 2013 By Toby Smithson

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.

Filed Under: Blog

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Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

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  1. Beth Klos says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:29 am

    This is an interesting thought. The finer points of communication can be so important. There may be some patients who this particular phrase just doesnt reach. I’m an RD so I’m always looking for ways to make my communication clear, rather than using healthcare lingo. Appreciate the insight.

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❤️sharing diabetes knowledge at my presentation on Monday morning.
❤️hearing on how the presentation impacted them from so many of the dietitians who attended.
❤️learning from the amazing speakers at other sessions.
❤️learning and schmoozing with vendors at the expo.
❤️networking with fellow dietitians throughout the conference.
❤️And reuniting with my dietitian bestie. We were academy of nutrition and dietetics spokespeople together for 9 years. ❤️
Thank you Todays Dietitian Symposium for another fabulous conference!
@todaysdietitian #TDinFL @sarahrdtv #dietitianlife #dietitianapproved
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Curious? Are you currently including fermented foods to your diet for gut health?

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