Diabetes Resources for the 13.8 Million Americans With the Disease

In the past 20 years the number of Americans suffering from diabetes has gone from 5.8 million to 13.8 and as the number continues to grow it is important that those suffering from diabetes and their loved ones have access to the information they need in order to understand and cope with life changes that can result from this illness. Both the government and many devoted individuals have created many groups and websites dedicated to educating the public on the subject of diabetes. In addition to offering information many organizations now offer programs to help individuals cope with the expenses that result from diabetes treatment and medication.

An all inclusive web resource for information on diabetes is The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes). �¯�¿�½The site covers literally aspects of the disease starting with basic facts about diabetes and going to different research projects created to help discover different treatments and possible cures for the illness. The CDC also has links to every program currently available that offers financial help to those suffering from the disease.

Another good online resource is The American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org). �¯�¿�½This site also offers information on the disease and how to treat it but there is one major bonus to the site. There is a large, and active, message board community with boards for those who are currently living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes. The message board offers a chance for diabetes patients nationwide to connect and offer advice as well as support.

If you are not one who enjoys spending time on the internet or who prefers more hands on support reach out to members of your community. Usually large health care systems or local hospitals will have seminars on diabetes and know of support groups or meetings for those with diabetes. Some communities have a weekly or monthly get together and, if they don’t, you can start one by running an announcement (they are usually free) in a local paper.