When you find out that you have diabetes, it is very normal to feel a great burden and a little nervous. Questions like 'What do I do now?', 'How do I control what I eat and drink?', 'How can I live with this as before?' are probably running through your mind a hundred thousand times. Of course, your doctor will give you all the medicine and advice you need. But in addition, you may also want to know more about this disease in more depth and accurately, and learn new things. So, today we are talking about some of the world's recognized and trusted sources of information that can increase your knowledge.
Your first and best source of information - your own doctor
Before we talk about anything else, keep this in mind. The best, most reliable, and most important source of information you have about diabetes is your doctor or nurse . Because, any information on the Internet is public. But your doctor knows:
- The condition of your body.
- History of your blood sugar levels.
- Other medical conditions you have (such as cholesterol, high blood pressure).
- The treatment method that suits you best.
So, no matter what you see or read online or elsewhere, always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment or trying anything new. It's the safest and most accurate thing to do.
International health institutions that can expand knowledge
In addition to the advice given by your doctor, if you are interested in learning more about this disease, you can consult the websites of several internationally recognized scientific information institutions. The information provided by these is usually very reliable. However, keep in mind that these may contain information targeted at the United States or other countries. However, the basic scientific facts about diabetes are the same for everyone.
Here is a simple explanation of some such institutions and what you can learn from them.
| Name of the institution (and web address) | What can we learn from this? |
|---|---|
| American Diabetes Association (ADA) www.diabetes.org | This is the world's leading and largest organization on diabetes. It explains many things in simple terms, including types of diabetes, management, diet, exercise, and the latest research. |
| National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) www.niddk.nih.gov | This is a US government research institute. Here you can find in-depth, scientific, and reliable information about diabetes, digestive system, and kidney diseases. |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics www.eatright.org | Nutrition is very important in diabetes. This organization is an association of nutritionists. There is a lot of information here about diabetes-friendly diets, food choices, and health drink recipes. |
| BreakThrough T1D (JDRF) breakthrought1d.org | This organization focuses specifically on Type 1 Diabetes. If you or someone in your family has Type 1 Diabetes, this is a great place to find out about specific information and research related to it. |
Think about this when searching for information online.
The Internet is an ocean of information. But like pearls in that ocean, there are also worthless and dangerous things. So be very careful when searching for information about diabetes.
- You may have seen posts shared on Facebook and WhatsApp like: "Drink this and diabetes will be completely cured", "Stop all your medications and drink this green juice". Most of these are unscientific and dangerous . Never try these things without the advice of a doctor.
- Advice from strangers: Think twice before following advice given by people on forums and social media comments. What suits their body may not suit yours.
- "Miracle Cure" Sellers: Beware of websites that sell pills and pills that claim to cure diabetes in 7 days. These are often scams. Diabetes is a condition that needs to be managed, not something that can be completely cured in a few days.
Specialized diabetes information and news
If you want to go deeper, learn about the latest research, or listen to other people's experiences, things like this can be useful.
1. Medical Journals: Simply put, these are places where doctors and scientists publish their latest research. The Diabetes Journal (diabetesjournals.org/diabetes), published by the American Diabetes Association, is a prime example. But the language here can be a bit complicated.
2. Podcasts: These are programs that you can listen to. It's like a radio program. You can listen to them while you're working or driving. The American Diabetes Association's podcast, `Diabetes Day By Day,' talks simply about living with diabetes.
If you have any questions about anything you hear or see, write them down on a piece of paper and bring them with you the next time you see the doctor. Ask them all your questions and get them resolved.
Living with diabetes is a challenge, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can definitely overcome it.
Take-Home Message
- The best and most accurate advice you need about diabetes can only be obtained from your own doctor .
- When searching for information online, only use the websites of globally recognized, trusted organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) .
- Advertisements and advice on social media claiming to provide "miracle cures" can be downright dangerous . Avoid them.
- Always discuss anything you learn online with your doctor before adding or changing your treatment.
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