Staying Current with Diabetes

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Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE

Last Updated: Monday, January 23, 2006

Q: "How can I keep up with all the information and research going on in diabetes?"

A: Handling the challenges of diabetes is naturally easier when you have both the information and the support you need. Always remember that your first and most important resource is your diabetes team--your doctor, diabetes educator, dietitian, and other medical professionals involved in your care.

As you know, probably more than any other condition, diabetes involves learning extensive self-management skills: understanding the condition, knowing when to test your glucose, what to eat, how often to exercise, when to take your medication, how to recognize symptoms of low or high glucose--the list goes on. The goal is to help you understand diabetes and your body's individual response, so that you can perform multiple self-care behaviors and make informed decisions about your daily diabetes care.

This means you have a responsibility to learn all you can, set realistic personal goals, communicate your needs to your diabetes team, and keep up with the ever-changing world of diabetes. One way to do this is by using the internet in an educated and responsible way.

Browser Beware

As the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states, you may find a mix of both reputable resources and questionable ones--making unfounded claims or selling products of dubious benefit on the internet. So as you're surfing the web with the resources we have provided, always remember to check in with your diabetes team and confirm your information with them.

Note that many web resources also offer monthly subscriptions to print magazines and/or weekly e-newsletters. Hopefully the resources listed below, along with diabetes education updates and regular visits with your diabetes team, will provide you with the tools and strategies to maintain a healthy and active life. Happy Surfing!