The Role of Online Communities in Diabetes Management

1
The Role of Online Communities in Diabetes
Management

• Using social networking to improve self-care and
  standards of care

2
Diabetes 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

3
Patient-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

4
Attractions 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

5
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

6
Special 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

7
Special Features of Diabetes Communities

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

8
Diabetes Online Communities

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

9
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
10
TuDiabetes

• 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
11
EsTuDiabetes

• Website http//www.estudiabetes.com

12
Diabetic 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
13
Diabetic 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
14
Diabetes Talkfest
Juvenation
Web site http//juvenation.org/

• Web site http//www.diabetestalkfest.com

15
Diabetes Daily

• Web site http//www.diabetesdaily.com

16
Children With Diabetes

• Web site http//www.childrenwithdiabetes.com

17
Results

• 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