9.3% of the American population has diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association’s 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report. Almost three times as many people are prediabetic, well on the path of developing full-blown diabetes. This is clearly a significant public health issue.
We’ve used our library science skills and analytical prowess to identify the following as the top diabetes-related resources.
1. American Diabetes Association (ADA) – http://www.diabetes.org/
The ADA covers every aspect of diabetes, from prevention through diagnosis, prognosis through treatment, and all of the data and statistics in between.
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – http://www.eatright.org/
The benefits of healthy eating extend beyond just diabetes treatment and prevention, but on their site the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provide ample resources and support to help you make the wisest nutritional choices for yourself and your family.
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
This is one of the central establishments coordinating basic, clinical, and translational research grants and training/support to universities as well as medical institutions and private scientists relating to the Institute’s mission — which includes diabetes. This resource is powerful for discovering what the diabetes research frontier is like, as well as for beginning to understand what’s next in the pipeline of diabetes-related advances.
4. Children with Diabetes – http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/
Diabetes is a problem affecting people of all ages, including children. This online community allows diabetics and their relatives – of all ages – to support each other.
5. Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) – http://www.diabetes.ca/
Diabetes is not just a problem in the United States. The CDA is the largest Canadian organization dedicated to diabetes resources, research, and support.
6. National Diabetes Education Program – http://www.ndep.nih.gov/
Offering many resources on diabetes in both English and Spanish, this program also provides useful advice for people who are at risk of developing diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes — not just those already diagnosed.
7. JDRF – http://www.jdrf.org/
Working hard to improve the lives of (and eventually find a cure!) individuals with type 1 diabetes, this page has resources for everyone, from the newly diagnosed and their families all the way through adults living with type 1 diabetes. They recently rebranded away from the misleading “juvenile diabetes”.
8. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
The NHLBI site provides many important resources on how diabetes can interfere with other aspects of your life, like your heart health. They also provide unique, detailed information on available clinical trials, including where to participate.
9. International Diabetes Federation – http://www.idf.org/
Working to promote responsible awareness of how serious diabetes is, this resource provides extensive information on its potential intersection and interference with other diseases. Also featured are a wide variety of events and activities you can participate in to help raise money for diabetes research.
10. WebMD on Diabetes – http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/default.htm
Always a classic, the WebMD page on diabetes provides a plethora of information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and dabetes insipidus. They also provide resources to find an endocrinologist near you, to learn about the different medications available, and you can even take a quiz to see how much you know!
11. CDC on Diabetes – http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s page on diabetes provides relevant, factual information for people with diabetes, including statistics, research programs, and the basics of diabetes. They even have a special program to help prevent type 2 diabetes in the Native American community by combining Native and Western science
12. Diabetes Care – http://care.diabetesjournals.org/
Diabetes Care is a printed journal full of useful information and editorials for people with diabetes to learn about how to cope while also building a supportive community! This web page has resources for both contributors and potential subscribers… and even podcasts!
13. American Association of Diabetes Educators – http://www.diabeteseducator.org/
This webpage is primarily geared to educate healthcare professionals on diabetes. They offer awards, scholarships, and they even have a fellows program to develop expertise. Additionally, they provide resources for interested non-providers to become certified diabetes educators.
14. DiabetesNet.com – http://www.diabetesnet.com/
DiabetesNet.com has a large assortment of information on diabetes management and insulin control, with plenty of tips for controlling low or high blood sugar levels, alternative treatments for diabetes, and approaches to weight control. They also track the most up-to date developments in diabetes and insulin technologies.
15. Diabetes UK – http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
Serving England, Wales, and Scotland, this resource provides information across diabetes types, but also provides opportunities for the public to get involved in the fight against diabetes, whether through contributing to research or carrying out volunteer work. Their risk assessment tool is a great, private way to start understanding your own risk or that of someone you love.
16. Diabetes in Control – http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/
Like the AADE site, this is geared mostly towards medical professionals, with an extensive list of diabetes medications, discussion on a wide variety of diabetes topics, and detailed video presentations. They also offer mobile apps to help with diabetes management!
17. MedlinePlus on Diabetes – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html
MedlinePlus provides basic diabetes information, as well as information on alternative treatments, disease management, and tutorials for health management. They also have information on financial issues you may come across when diagnosed with diabetes.