Are We Ready to Treat Our Diabetes Patients Using Social Media? Yes, We Are
Journal
Journal of diabetes science and technology
Date Issued
2019-03
Author(s)
DOI
10.1177/1932296818795441
Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate Facebook group as possible communication tool to improve glucose control in
adolescents and young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: This retrospective and cross-sectional study included 728 T1D patients (age 11-25) on continuous subcutaneous
insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI) treated at the center for insulin pump and glucose sensor in Skopje
from January 2012 to December 2017. Data were collected through the electronic medical record system and crosssectional analysis (telephone, social media (Facebook and Viber) or email). Patients were analyzed in two groups: (a) nonInternet group, with 398 patients treated using standard medical protocol with regular clinic visits; (b) Internet group, with
330 patients who, besides standard medical protocol, were active members of a national closed Facebook group on diabetes.
Both the non-Internet and Internet groups had regular visits every 2-3 months. Patients from the Internet group were
members of the closed Facebook group “Diabetes Macedonia” and had an opportunity to interact with questions, answers,
and comments on diabetes care. An additional analysis was performed of the Internet group on combined use of Facebook
and Viber. Average HbA1c levels were compared in both groups.
Results: Each patient from the Facebook group had 1.5 ± 3.5 posts per day. Hba1c was significantly lower in patients from
the Internet group (7.1 ± 3.2%; 54 ± 35 mmol/mol) compared to patients from the non-Internet group (7.6 ± 2.8%; 60 ±
31 mmol/mol).
Conclusions: Social media like Facebook and Viber can be additional communication tool in adolescents and young people
with T1D and can significantly lower HbA1c compared to patients without social media use. CSII patients are more likely to
use both social media (Facebook and Viber) compared with MDI patients (Facebook only).
adolescents and young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: This retrospective and cross-sectional study included 728 T1D patients (age 11-25) on continuous subcutaneous
insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI) treated at the center for insulin pump and glucose sensor in Skopje
from January 2012 to December 2017. Data were collected through the electronic medical record system and crosssectional analysis (telephone, social media (Facebook and Viber) or email). Patients were analyzed in two groups: (a) nonInternet group, with 398 patients treated using standard medical protocol with regular clinic visits; (b) Internet group, with
330 patients who, besides standard medical protocol, were active members of a national closed Facebook group on diabetes.
Both the non-Internet and Internet groups had regular visits every 2-3 months. Patients from the Internet group were
members of the closed Facebook group “Diabetes Macedonia” and had an opportunity to interact with questions, answers,
and comments on diabetes care. An additional analysis was performed of the Internet group on combined use of Facebook
and Viber. Average HbA1c levels were compared in both groups.
Results: Each patient from the Facebook group had 1.5 ± 3.5 posts per day. Hba1c was significantly lower in patients from
the Internet group (7.1 ± 3.2%; 54 ± 35 mmol/mol) compared to patients from the non-Internet group (7.6 ± 2.8%; 60 ±
31 mmol/mol).
Conclusions: Social media like Facebook and Viber can be additional communication tool in adolescents and young people
with T1D and can significantly lower HbA1c compared to patients without social media use. CSII patients are more likely to
use both social media (Facebook and Viber) compared with MDI patients (Facebook only).