Power and pitfalls of social media in diabetes care

Abstract

This article addresses modern patients' insatiable need for information as they make daily choices in managing diabetes. It introduces the resources available to diabetes patients and caregivers against the backdrop of the limitations medical practices face in meeting patients' information and support needs. Social media are described, along with ways in which health care providers might leverage digital technology to better support their patients. The author describes trends and studies that suggest how social media might be used in the future not only to meet patients' needs, but also to streamline clinical workflow.