Social Media 'May Help Treat Diabetes'

A new social media tool called Wellaho is being evaluated by researchers to treat patients with type I and II diabetes.

The clinical trial by researchers at the UC San Diego School of Medicine will study whether the use of social networking can improve patient-physician interactions and the patient's overall health and wellbeing.

Screening for Diabetes - Test - Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes screening is done using blood tests like fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels. Diabetes affects 8.3% Americans and about 10% Indians.

"This trial will study how an online social network may better enable patient care," Jason Bronner said.

"With a controlled group of the patient's clinicians, friends, family and fellow patients, we will measure any changes in knowledge, attitudes and self care towards diabetes," he said.

Wellaho, developed by Sanitas Inc. in La Jolla, is an interactive online system designed to help patients manage their care outside the hospital.

Quiz on Diabetes
Diabetes has replaced every other condition to become the fastest growing lifestyle disease, globally. This disease also impacts children. Some people are more inclined to develop diabetes than others. Do you belong to the high- risk group? Spend 5 minutes to find out.

The system is HIPAA compliant, compatible with provider networks, and includes telemedicine capabilities.

"Social networking provides a common way for patients with chronic disease to learn about their condition while interacting with others in similar situations," Bronner said.

Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator
Almost one-third of the people are unaware of the risk factors of diabetes. Find out if you run the risk of diabetes by using Diabetes Risk Assessment calculator.

"As opposed to open networks, the use of this tool allows us to ensure that the medical information they receive and share is accurate, safe and absent of advertising," he said.

The online site provides self-monitoring tools as well as evidenced-based education customized for the patient's specific condition.

Insulin Injections for Diabetes
Insulin Therapy plays an important role in treating diabetes.Learning about insulin injections can help you better manage your diabetes condition.

Subjects will be monitored for the number of times they access the site, length of use, and number of invited participants. The site will also track measures of weight, blood pressure, and glycostated hemoglobin.

"Long-term, we hope that patients will learn behaviours that impact blood sugar, control blood pressure, improve satisfaction and potentially decrease cost of care," Bronner added.

Source-ANI