Although type 2 diabetes is a globally relevant chronic disease, people do not actively seek information on health risks as they fear the long-term bodily degenerative processes.

The authors found that when people engage in interactive social platforms that are capable of building and hosting online therapeutic communities, they develop empathy for the people who are living day-to-day with a chronic disease. As the online therapeutic communities are developed, the players become peers who mentor one another in making better choices about their health.
For companies interested in funding grants that support the healthcare industry, study results support the need for establishing online therapeutic communities where visual platforms foster community engagement and create markets for new technologies. The authors also point out a need for reforming patient education and the design and distribution of information related to a chronic disease like Type 2 diabetes.
"Emerging bio-health companies that develop monitoring products may also benefit from allowing customer input featured in their product designs," the authors conclude. "Patient visions of how these features can help alleviate trauma and improve lives show the power of the therapeutic community."
Source-Eurekalert