Website for diabetes proves popular

24 January, 2003

A new website for people with diabetes in Suffolk has been hailed a success after it received over 1400 visits in the first two months.

The website, called DiabeteSuffolk.com, was launched by the West Suffolk Diabetes Team in November 2002.  It contains information on understanding diabetes and how to live with and manage the condition. The site covers over a hundred different topics ranging from information on insulin injections, to advice on travel. As well as links to other organisations such as Diabetes UK, the site includes the latest news stories in the field, recent research developments and recipes suitable for people with diabetes. 

“We have designed the site to appeal to anyone with an interest in diabetes, either on a personal or professional level,” said Dr Wijenaike.  “It is intended to be a comprehensive resource for the county, providing general information about diabetes as well as explaining how people can access local services, help and support.

“Coincidentally, one of the prime aims of the Government’s strategy for diabetes is to find new ways of informing people about the disease and enable ‘patient empowerment’. The aim is for diabetes services to encourage people with diabetes to be more involved in managing their own condition. DiabeteSuffolk fits in perfectly with these aims and I hope that it helps further our goal to make West Suffolk an example of ‘best practice’ in diabetes.”

Dr Wijenaike reports that feedback from GPs has been positive, and he is working with local surgeries to heighten awareness of the facility.  Patient feedback has been less strong, with few of the 1400 visitors completing a form about their impressions of the site. Visitors to the site are encouraged to use this form, so that their views can be taken into account as the site is updated.