Diabetes-related Social Networking
The online social networking scene has hit the diabetes world. Not that this is particularly new. Diabetes-related online social networks have been around a few years now and places like facebook, myspace, LinkedIn, and Flickr have been around even longer.
According to Manny Hernandez, founder of TuDiabetes, there are at least two dozen diabetes-related social networks (as of May 2009). I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more now. Because I found eight in about 15 minutes of searching online. Below are the ones I found and I’ve also included a brief description taken from their site:
| Site | Description |
|---|---|
| tudiabetes | “a community of people touched by diabetes, run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation“ |
| juvenation | “a Type 1 Diabetes community created by the JDRF.” |
| dLife Community | “information, inspiration, and connection with others who share your challenges and concerns.” |
| diabetesFriends.net | “a free social network for diabetics and people with an interest in diabetes.” |
| diabetesTalkfest | “Linking Diabetics Coast 2 Coast” |
| My Diabetes | “The community for patients, friends, families and healthcare professionals.” |
| Diabetic Rockstar | “a social network dedicated to breaking down stereotypes and beliefs commonly associated with diabetics.” |
| Present Diabetes | (for diabetes medical professionals) |
| We Are Diabetic | “The Social Support Network for The Diabetic Community” |
I’m thinking about joining one of these. No, actually, I want to join one, but I’m hesitating because, well, I’d rather be outside doing stuff, whether it’s bicycling or hiking or whatever, than sitting at a computer. With a job as a software engineer and a couple of personal blogs to maintain already, I’m hesitant to commit to spending more time online. Besides, anybody who knows me from facebook (another social networking site) knows that I don’t play the facebook game very well. Months go by between my logins. I’ve had my facebook account for a few years now and I still haven’t filled in anymore than the required elements in my profile. I’d rather spend my online time updating my blogs, I guess.
But, I’m still thinking of joining one, but only because they are specifically oriented towards people with diabetes. Manny Hernandez gave ten good reasons to join a diabetes social network. They’re ten very good reasons.
So, the next question is: Which one? Any suggestions?
