here’s a list of websites and resources to help anyone struggling with diabetes (or friends and family members too):
The American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org or @AmDiabetesAssn (on Twitter) offers resources like a self-risk assessment, an overview of Diabetes Basics, Advocacy groups, diabetes events and activities in your community, and guidelines for healthy living with diabetes.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization focused more intently on type I diabetes at www.jdrf.org or @JDRF. There are opportunities to get involved, stay up to date on the latest news and developments in diabetes research, and find support groups.
The International Diabetes Federation at www.idf.org or @IntDiabetesFed. With a global approach to diabetes care and prevention, the IDF offers a worldwide network of members, publications, and resources, hosting events like the IDF Congress in places like Abu Dhabi, UAE and campaigns to promote access to improved diabetes care in areas like Brazil and South America.
Michael's Miracles, based in New Jersey, raises awareness of type 1 diabetes and also provides support and education to newly diagnosed families which includes tool kits that help a family transition into a new life with a T1D child. The organization also offers a Diabetes Education Program headed by a Certified Diabetes Educator/RN who can visit a home, school, or childcare center to train staff on the proper care of a diabetic child. Monthly support is provided through T1D Family Support Group meetings where children can play and parents can hear from a guest speaker or share their own experiences and advice while building relationships and community. A Teen Mix meeting is also offered once a month, perfect for parents and 12-18 year-olds. Parents discuss current issues while the kids enjoy fun activities together. Numerous events are also held throughout the year to raise money and awareness for juvenile diabetes, including an annual "Golf for the Cure" outing and the "Believe in Miracles" basket auction. For more information about Michael's Miracles or future events, visit their website at www.michaelsmiracles.net or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelsMiracles.net/
At www.DiabetesDaily.com (also @diabetesdaily on Twitter or Diabetes Daily on Facebook) you can “Learn,” “Ask,” and “Eat”—okay, maybe you can’t exactly eat on their website, but it does offer a comprehensive list of diabetes-friendly recipes that you can sort by “Course,” “Type of diet,” and “Ingredients.” You can also find upcoming diabetes-related events in your community and interact with thousands of other diabetics on their community forum pages
Camp Nejeda at www.campnejeda.org where kids with type I diabetes can attend a summer sleep away camp with other diabetics without having to worry about fitting in, taking insulin shots, or checking their blood glucose. From the Camp Nejeda website: “Camp Nejeda has been providing empowering summer camp and other programs for children with type 1 diabetes and their families since 1958. In addition to providing eight weeks of traditional Summer Sleep-Away camp, Camp Nejeda offers Family Camps, Day Camps, Spring and Fall weekend programs, T1D Adult Weekend, Nurse Education seminars and much more.” Located in Sussex County, NJ, the camp might be too far for some of you, however you can search www.childrenwithdiabetes.com for camps across the United States (and even Canada) to find one in your area.
Diabetes Foundation, Inc. provides help to diabetics of any type and any age who live in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan area. The organization, through the efforts of staff and volunteers, focuses on supplies and medication assistance, patient support services, community outreach and education programs, and camp sponsorships. It also hosts a number of events throughout the year, from an annual golf classic to educational seminars.
www.EatGoodCarbs.com, a website run by Johann Burani MS, RD, CDE who has over twenty-five years of experience in nutritional counseling, offers recipes and explains the difference between carbs that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar versus the slowly-digested carbs that keep you full longer and don’t spike blood glucose. You can also find links to healthy-living books, presentations on the Glycemic Index, and dietary options tailored to diabetics.
Facebook has a bunch of support groups where diabetics from around the world share their stories and experiences, their disappointments and frustrations. I've really been impressed by the Type 1 Diabetes Support Group. There are a ton of active members (and the group keeps growing), and the enthusiastic and supportive community is just astounding! Diabetes Support Group is another one, though it doesn't seem to be quite as engaging.
The University of IllinoisChicago published an article offering a review of the mobile technologies available to assist in managing and caring for diabetes, including blood sugar logging apps, medication reminder apps, and nutrition apps, among others. You can read the article here: https://healthinformatics.uic.edu/blog/how-to-use-mobile-technology-to-manage-diabetes/
At ZocDoc, you can read a comprehensive guide that explains how diabetes affects oral health, including increased risk of developing certain dental diseases; how to mitigate that risk; and how low-income diabetics can afford a visit to the dentist for preventative care.
