I have been tracking and participating in the discussions with the diabetes online community (DOC) via social media on my mobile phone. The primary message that the diabetes online community has been one of noting that the suffering that goes with a chronic disease like diabetes is inevitable but 'You are not alone'. They have also noted that helping each other helps themselves as mentioned here on twitter upon noting the daily struggles of having diabetes in the MTV True Life piece:
When the conversation is healing, as the diabetes online community clearly shouts that it is, mobile health platforms that allow continuation of the conversation become medicine. I am hopeful that by increased recognition, mobile health and 'social medicine' for chronic diseases, like diabetes, will be as common as cough drops and Vicks vapor rub for the common cold...but MUCH more healing!
Great post, Jen! Completely agree that the mobile health component is a necessary part nowadays and I can't wait to see more of the medical community embrace it as you have. I was actually wondering if that might even make its way into the MTV episode, with one of the three going online with a phone or iPad or something and finding a blog or d-community online. Not quite yet... but I'm sure it's only a matter of time!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your support Michael! The diabetes online community is purely awesome. :)
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