To meet the changing needs of people affected by this growing epidemic, the American Diabetes Association has launched a completely redesigned www.diabetes.org in English and Spanish. Even though diabetes is a growing epidemic, a recent survey conducted by the Association showed that Americans received a failing grade in diabetes awareness. The web site's reorganization better targets audience members based on where their interest in diabetes lies (prevention, management, complications, caring for a loved one, etc.), and provides an engaging community with customizable tools and support, in addition to the research-based information that always has brought people to www.diabetes.org.
"In this day and age, information alone is not enough," said George Huntley, CPA, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. "We found consumers are also looking for a supportive, engaging community along with tools that can help with daily living to prevent and manage diabetes as well as general health and wellness."
The new site design, based on extensive consumer research, integrates its multiple vendors' strengths into a single web site that meets the Association's broad and diverse mission while centering around three primary concepts: help, hope and support.
Help
The American Diabetes Association's new web site provides the tangible information users want to find, including diabetes risk factors, recipes, nutrition guidelines, first diagnosis and diabetes-related complications for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Test visitors found the new site to be very educational without being too 'medical.'
- FAQs - The web site has been reorganized to better highlight the most popular pages and search topics. For example, Living with Diabetes now includes a section called "Know Your Rights" that educates readers about both school and employment discrimination based on diabetes.
- Nutrition - People affected by diabetes or anyone searching for healthy lifestyle information can explore the award-winning MyFoodAdvisor®. This interactive tool allows users to search for recipes, seek nutrition information and find healthier alternative ingredients to use in their own recipes.
- Risks - My Health Advisor helps people understand their personal risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The tool looks at a person's specific risk factors, such as family history and lifestyle choices, as well as other factors (such as access to health care), to determine his or her risk for developing diabetes and its related complications. The online calculator immediately reflects and adjusts a person's risk outcome based on small changes he or she makes in his or her life, such as losing 5-10 pounds or quitting smoking.
Hope
Anyone living with diabetes, at risk for diabetes, or caring for someone who lives with diabetes can come to diabetes.org to find the latest diabetes news and cutting-edge research they care about -- and ways to become involved!
- Research News - Many of the latest diabetes stories in the news originate in American Diabetes Association-funded research projects or are published in one of the Association's medical or scientific journals. This is an essential way that the organization seeks to fulfill its mission toward a cure for diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease.
- Advocacy - Diabetes advocates fight for the rights of all people affected by diabetes. On the new diabetes.org, advocates can take action on multiple issues in a variety of ways -- such as sending emails to Congressional representatives and letters to the editor as well as learning about in-person advocacy opportunities.
- Special Events - By participating in the American Diabetes Association's signature events, such as Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes(SM) and Tour de Cure(SM), participants support the Association's ongoing fulfillment of its mission. The new site provides a better process to locate, register, promote and fundraise online, using a single sign-on, one-stop-shop for event participants. Test visitors found the integrated online event registration process to be attractive and easy-to-use, even those who had no experience with these types of events.
Support
Test visitors found that the web site elicited feeling of comfort and support. Some features offered to further foster this support in the diabetes community include:
- Message Boards - The new design allows message board users to better engage with one another in a more personalized and interactive experience.
- Live Chats - People can chat with the Association's National Call Center staff online during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. ET). Some of the most popular topics include questions about health insurance, food and nutrition, and diabetes management for the newly diagnosed.
- Family Link - Families of children with diabetes now can access information about school safety outreach, virtual interaction with other families and events taking place locally.
- Community Events - Users can find events near them based on their location and/or interest, such as education, support or fundraising events. This is yet another way the new site connects the national organization with its constituents' local area and interest.
"Whether you are a person with diabetes, you are at risk for diabetes, or you care for someone living with diabetes, you can come to diabetes.org and find both information and an interactive community that speaks to your needs, emotions and fears," commented Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes rates skyrocket globally with millions left untreated