How to Connect with the Diabetes Online Community
The Diabetic Online Community often referred to as the DOC, has had a tenfold impact on my life as a diabetic. I originally joined the DOC back in May of 2020 via Instagram and it unlocked an entire world that I never knew existed.
Waiting for me was a supportive community of diabetics, caregivers, friends of diabetics, and medical professionals who dedicate their work to helping diabetics.
I had never felt so seen and understood in my entire life.
As I have grown in my diabetic journey, I have leaned more and more into the community and I couldn’t be more thankful for every single person that I have interacted with.
So where should you start if you want to join the DOC? Honestly, every social media platform has a diabetic community, you just have to dive in.
TikTok:
Tiktok is the most recent platform I joined to connect with the DOC and honestly, I was hesitant at first. Tiktok seemed like the wild wild west, and I had no idea how the diabetic online community would interact with each other there. Now, it’s my favorite platform.
How to connect with the DOC on TikTok: Hashtags! Search hashtags to find videos and creators that you relate to #diabetictok, #diabetes, #type1warrior, #diabetesmanagement
Tiktok is a fantastic platform but gives less of a community feel because of how it is structured with short videos that are more difficult to find once you have scrolled past. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly comforting seeing other diabetics do their site changes and living everyday life just like me!
Instagram:
Ahhh, Instagram. This platform will always have my heart since it was my first taste of the DOC. Much like Tiktok, it’s a little bit harder to gain a sense of community at first but once you follow a few creators that you like, you will love it.
Where to find creators you can relate to: Hashtags! #t1dlookslikeme, #hotdiabeticsummer, #girlswithgadgets, #insulindependent
Bonus tip for Instagram, slide into those DM’s. Most people sharing their lives with diabetes are looking for a friend or someone to relate to them as well. Plus, the IG fam is the most supportive and loving people I have ever interacted with!
Facebook:
Facebook is an awesome platform to connect with other diabetics simply because of how it is structured. Once you join a Facebook group, you are instantly connected with other people who share that same interest as you.
Some groups that I love are: Rage Bolusers, Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetic Adults, T1D Mod Squad (for caregivers), T1D Rescue Warriors
A word of caution that I have noticed in some Facebook groups if they are not moderated well - they are only as good as their members which sometimes results in unsolicited advice, opinions, and product pushing. It is okay to leave them if they are not serving you.
Much like everything in life, the diabetic online community is what you make of it. I strongly encourage interacting in Facebook groups, messaging the people you follow on Instagram and Tiktok, and even reaching out to other diabetics that you see comment on posts. You never know which internet friend will turn into a lifelong diabestie.
