So what is a blog anyway? As I look to the internet for answers - here are two definitions:
blog/noun -- "a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog -- "a blog is a discussion or informational website published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries ("posts")."
In the world of diabetes there are dozens of blogs now being posted, from moms with children with diabetes or moms themselves who have diabetes. There are dads with children with diabetes and athletes sharing their experiences and blogs that focus on technology or special foods. What are some of the good "picks" to share with our patients? When reviewing lists of some of the most frequently recommended blogs, the following 10 have consistently come to the forefront.
General Diabetes:
- Diabetes Mine: http://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine
- Tu-diabetes: http://www.tudiabetes.org
- A sweet life: https://asweetlife.org/blogs
- Scott's diabetes: https://scottsdiabetes.com
- Diabetes Self-Management: http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog
- D-Life: http://www.dlife.com/diabetes-blog
- Six until me: http://sixuntilme.com/wp
For Children with Type 1 Diabetes & Their Parents:
- D-Mom blog: http://www.d-mom.com
- Diabetes Dad: http://diabetesdad.org
Women & Diabetes:
- Diabetes Sisters: https://diabetessisters.org
Blogs generally are stories by and for persons with diabetes. They can be opinions or share news of new innovations in diabetes technology and pump wear. Some are forums where you can chat with others with diabetes (Tu-diabetes). Some focus on type 2 diabetes (A sweet life). Most are heartwarming -- filled with encouragement and discussions about adjustments to life with diabetes. They are about LIVING with diabetes, not complaining about having diabetes. In general, they are both educational and uplifting. They are not, however, embedded in research. So it is important to relate to our patients that these stories are generally an "n" of 1-2 persons, and should be included in part of the story of having diabetes but may need some clarification by a health professional if insulin dosing or special diets are recommended. In addition, it is important to look over blogs you are recommending to patients, to double check facts to make sure the information is helpful and never harmful or selling a product that has not been supported in standards of care.
Many patients feel isolated by their diabetes, and diabetes blogs can certainly be an excellent way of connecting with others -- either as a silent reader or by interacting with in the chat rooms.
This is just a small snippet of all the blogs on diabetes now available with a click of the mouse. I'm hoping to stay more on top of this as the numbers of blogs grow and encourage patients to explore those that help create meaningful support to a tedious yet doable disease.