Title: The Role of Online Communities in Diabetes Management
1The Role of Online Communities in Diabetes
Management
- Using social networking to improve self-care and
standards of care
2Diabetes is a chronic condition
- Daily management is the patients 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
3Patient-Based Online Communities Reduce Social
Isolation
- Support with/from people with similar medical
issues - Classic support groups evolved into the digital
space - No limitations of time, distance, or mobility
4Attractions of Patient-Based Online Communities
- Social connectedness
- Tailored Information
- News
- Medical and psychological management
- Dealing with medical professionals and insurance
companies - Anonymity
- Can hide behind a username
5Special 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
6Special Features of Diabetes Communities
- Tailored news and reviews
- Devices, medications, and publications
- Research
- Recipes and Nutrition
- Events and Activities
- Real life meet-ups, diabetes expos, conferences
- Activism
7Special Features of Diabetes Communities
- External links
- Diabetes advocacy organizations
- News and Blogs
- Manufacturers sites
- Patient Assistance Programs
- Diet- and Diabetes- Management Sites
8Diabetes Online Communities
- A number of diabetes communities, social
networks, blogs, portals, and support sites can
be found at the Diabetes OC
9dLife
- 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
10TuDiabetes
- Website 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
11EsTuDiabetes
- Website http//www.estudiabetes.com
12Diabetic Rockstar
- Web 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
13Diabetic Connect
- Web site http//www.diabeticconnect.com
Being part of this site has saved my life, of
that I am sure. --a Diabetic Connect member
14Diabetes Talkfest
Juvenation
Web site http//juvenation.org/
- Web site http//www.diabetestalkfest.com
15Diabetes Daily
- Web site http//www.diabetesdaily.com
16Children With Diabetes
- Web site http//www.childrenwithdiabetes.com
17Results
- Diabetes-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