Diabetes-related Bias in Electronic Health Records and International Classification of Diseases

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition that affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy. People living with diabetes, as well as doctors and hospitals, struggle to handle the challenge. Among these challenges is that the field of diabetology is filled with bias. People living with diabetes will say that “diabetes does not define them,” yet they often refer to themselves as “diabetics.” Doctors are frequently “trained” to call people “diabetics,” and I am one of them. Psychological consequences associated with diabetes and obesity bias and stigma have been previously reported. People with diabetes may experience stigma and may blame themselves for causing their condition. They may have restricted opportunities in life and being subject to negative stereotyping. Importantly, obesity stigma has been recognized as a barrier to comprehensive and effective type 2 diabetes management. Electronic Health Records and the International Classification of Diseases are filled with diabetes-related bias. The word “diabetic” is frequently mentioned. Healthcare providers should recognize the person first, and not their medical condition. Changing behavior takes time, especially as this is a collective phenomenon. This commentary proposes the steps needed to be taken to overcome the challenge of behavior change and offers a personal reflection on the subject.