5 Tools And Resources For Those With Diabetes

Helpful Resources For People With Diabetes

Common Symptoms Of Diabetes

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these are some of the most common symptoms of this disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's best to go to a doctor and get a diagnosis.

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
• Sores that do not heal
• Unexplained weight loss

What Is Diabetes?

What Causes Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists think that this form of diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that might trigger the disease. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, is caused by a number of factors, including lifestyle choices and genes. People who are not physically active or are overweight or obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can also be caused by genetic mutations, other diseases, damage to the pancreas, certain medicines, or hormone changes during pregnancy.

Diabetes And Nutrition

In Depth

Many aspects of everyday life which most people take for granted can pose unique challenges for those diagnosed with diabetes. The millions of Americans coping with this disease have to be vigilant in monitoring their symptoms, administering medication, and regulating their lifestyles, in order to avoid dangerous complications. In no particular order, here are five useful resources to help people living with diabetes take control of their health and well-being.

Starting us off at #1 is Glooko, a software platform designed to provide a comprehensive resource for managing blood glucose levels. A cloud-based system capable of synchronizing with nearly every type of diabetes care device, it helps users visualize the impacts of factors like food, physical activity, and medication on their condition. With features including a bar code scanner to incorporate nutrition information, or compatibility with fitness trackers to record exercise, the app analyzes wellness data to provide personalized recommendations on decisions such as insulin pump settings.

An important component of Glooko's approach is rapid sharing of information with health care providers. The software incorporates many features designed to add convenience for medical professionals, such as the ability to identify at-risk patients for targeted outreach, automatic attachment of summaries to electronic health records, and recommendations that help users stay well between appointments. With the Glooko platform, doctors can engage patients remotely, improving their ability to manage treatment for many people at once. The company's website also provides informational resources on getting the most from the product.

An important component of Glooko's approach is rapid sharing of information with health care providers.

Next on the list at #2 is DiabetesSisters, dedicated to providing information and support to women living with diabetes, to help them lead healthier, fuller lives. Its founder, shocked by the lack of resources available for female patients, created the organization to offer peer support and exchange ideas within the community. Their regional meetups enable members to connect with others living nearby, for emotional solidarity and practical advice, and each year the Weekend for Women conference provides a forum for participants from around the country.

DiabetesSisters is committed to inclusion, with their Minority Initiative offering events and resources for women from under-served populations. They also aim to empower members to organize effectively, hosting a yearly Leadership Institute where participants can build their team management skills. The organization's website shares advice from experts, on topics like pregnancy and diabetes, developments in medication, and health habits. It also hosts educational videos, blogs, and personal stories from women discussing their experiences with the disease. Readers wishing to show their support can make a donation online.

Our #3 entry is the Ohio-based not-for-profit organization Children With Diabetes, which offers information and support to families living with this difficult condition. They provide a wealth of educational resources, from introductory overviews aimed at those grappling with a recent diagnosis, to guides discussing rare variants of the disease, or strategies for dealing with emergency hypoglycemia. Since much of diabetes management relies on preparation, the group shares helpful advice on addressing everyday challenges such as traveling or attending school.

Since much of diabetes management relies on preparation, the group shares helpful advice on addressing everyday challenges such as traveling or attending school.

CWD hosts the annual Friends for Life conference, where young people and families dealing with diabetes can come together as a community. Attendees are able to connect and socialize with others who can relate to their experiences, hear from knowledgeable speakers, and even test out novel products or participate in research screenings. Other resources the organization offers include information on diabetes advocacy, inspiring personal stories, and news about developments in research. They welcome the generosity of supportive donors.

#4 in the order is Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization working to unite people impacted by diabetes around the world, and offer solutions for the challenges they face. Using the power of online networking, they help foster community among those living with this illness, providing forums where people can share experiences and inspiration. They also organize ways to connect in person, like their Slipstream Weekend meetups, or even by mail through their pen pal program.

In addition to promoting unity and mutual support within the diabetes community, Beyond Type 1 works to raise awareness and change perceptions of the disease, highlighting the determination of those impacted, and the hardships they face. They've also created practical resources, like the Safesittings service for families seeking babysitters qualified to meet their children's unique needs, or the Diabetes Scholars educational foundation. And they offer numerous informational guides on managing the condition in daily life. Supporters can help by donating, or shopping in the group's online store.

In addition to promoting unity and mutual support within the diabetes community, Beyond Type 1 works to raise awareness and change perceptions of the disease, highlighting the determination of those impacted, and the hardships they face.

We'll close with #5, Omada, a digital care program for building healthy lifestyle habits in people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension. Participants receive individualized lessons each week, covering topics like nutritious eating and exercise, along with devices that synchronize with Omada to track health metrics such as weight, glucose, and blood pressure. Everyone enrolled works alongside a personal health coach to offer advice and motivation, as well as gaining access to an online community of other users who can provide support.

The first health app ever to partner with the American Medical Association, Omada emphasizes the scientific basis of its program, with numerous peer-reviewed studies documenting its effects. Alongside the option for individual enrollment, the company offers platforms for businesses looking to supplement employee benefits, and health care providers who want to help patients make successful lifestyle changes. Their blog also provides news about the company, perspectives on the growing field of digital medicine, and strategies for setting and achieving behavioral goals.