The Role of Online Communities in

Diabetes Management

Using social networking to improve self-care

and standards of care

Diabetes is a chronic condition

• Daily management is the patient’s responsibility• Effective management is

not “one size fits all”Chronic Disease Begets

Social Isolation• Family and social circles

unaccommodating• “The only one I know” with

this condition

Patient-Based Online Communities

Reduce Social Isolation• Support with/from people

with similar medical issuesClassic support groups evolved into the digital space

• No limitations of time, distance, or mobility

Attractions of Patient-Based Online Communities• Social connectedness

• Tailored InformationNewsMedical and psychological management

Dealing with medical professionals and insurance companies

• AnonymityCan “hide” behind a username

Special Features of Diabetes Communities

• Groups and Forums• Often arranged by medical interests (e.g. Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, etc.)• Experts may be available to respond to posts

• Featured/Expert/Personal Blogs• Live chat

Topical chats may feature subject-matter experts

• Tailored news and reviews• Devices, medications, and publications• Research• Recipes and Nutrition

• Events and ActivitiesReal life meet-ups, diabetes expos, conferences

• Activism

Special Features of Diabetes Communities

External links• Diabetes advocacy organizations• News and Blogs• Manufacturers’ sites• Patient Assistance Programs• Diet- and Diabetes- Management Sites

Special Features of Diabetes Communities

Diabetes Online Communities

A number of diabetes communities, social networks, blogs, portals, and support sites can be found at the Diabetes OC

dLife

Website: http://www.dlife.com

None of us really want to face this disease alone… with finding this community, I am no longer scared and alone…--a dLife user

TuDiabetesWebsite: http://www.tudiabetes.com

So far, it's the only place I've found where wonderful people have answered my questions, and made me feel less alone. I've learned more in the short time I've been a member than any of the doctors explained at diagnosis…--a TuDiabetes member

EsTuDiabetes• Website: http://www.estudiabetes.com

Diabetic RockstarWeb site: http://www.diabeticrockstar.com

…Everyone is supportive of one another, without the "oh you poor thing" nonsense that you might expect in other places... What I've needed is to know that there are other people who know what it's like to deal with all of this diabetic stuff that I've had to get accustomed to …--a Diabetic Rockstar

Diabetic ConnectWeb site: http://www.diabeticconnect.com

Being part of this site has saved my life, of that I am sure.

--a Diabetic Connect member

Diabetes Talkfest

Web site: http://www.diabetestalkfest.com

Web site: http://juvenation.org/

Juvenation

Diabetes DailyWeb site: http://www.diabetesdaily.com

Children With Diabetes Web site: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com

ResultsDiabetes-focused online communities

and social networks provide the following services:• Reducing social isolation

• Educating patients and their caregivers

• Improving patient-doctor-insurer communication

The results are improved mental health, patient compliance, and long-term patient health