Reinventing the Wheel: Resources Diabetics Should Know

Have you ever finished up a long, frustrating project, only to learn of a better, more efficient way of accomplishing the work you just completed?  Thankfully, this happens to me less and less as I have learned to simply Google it, or YouTube it.  As the old saying goes, there's nothing new under the sun. 

This approach, however, doesn't always work with diabetes.  How can we be sure that the information we receive is legit?  Furthermore, many times we get flustered with insurance rules on preferred medications, co-payments, and the list goes on.  Perhaps we are faced with a new situation concerning diabetes, and we simply want to speak with someone who shares a similar experience.

Wouldn't it be nice to have some support outside the doctor's office to provide guidance, discussion, and maybe even assistance with affording medications?  My friends, let's not reinvent the wheel.  There are great resources out there that are largely underutilized.  Here are a few of my favorites:
  

• JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is the worldwide leader in funding research for type I diabetes.  Their website is excellent for staying up-to-date on current treatment options, devices, and research.  In addition, JDRF has organized local chapters that provide support and activities for children and adults with type I. 

• Type One Nation is JDRF's online social network where type I's, or friends and relatives of type I's, can create a free account that provides tons of professional and peer-to-peer blogs, forums, and groups.

• The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is an endless resource for news, diet, current trends, and education.  Membership includes a subscription to their top magazine, Diabetes Forecast.  The ADA also provides local support groups and events.  

• Diabetic Connect is a free online community of people living with diabetes (type I or II).  It's a great tool for connecting and conversing with countless diabetics of all types and ages.

• Cornerstones 4 Care is a service of the pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk.  It is a free online tool that allows patients to create an action plan for managing diabetes.  If you're someone who thrives on planning and structure, this site is for you.

• Lilly Tru Assist is a patient assistance program offered by the pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly.  Most drug companies have a similar program.  Even if your medications are affordable, you may be missing out on coupons that could save you money.  It's worth your time to check into offers from the companies that make your meds and devices. 

Stick with the above mentioned, and you can't go wrong.  These are awesome resources for education, community, and support.  Don't get caught outside the loop.  Thanks for reading; and, as always, let's be less than seven, greater than low!