Internet resources to improve health care for patients with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To review diabetes-related Web sites and online resources for health-care professionals, patients, and health-care organizations.


METHODS
Diabetes-related Web sites were sought and reviewed.


RESULTS
The Internet has a vast amount of diabetes-related content. Many health-care organizations make their practice guidelines available for online viewing, downloading, or both. Other resources focus on helping clinicians answer specific clinical questions at the point of care by providing extensive diabetes-related basic science, diagnostic, and therapeutic content. Some online resources can help to improve patient adherence to recommended treatment regimens and healthier lifestyles. New Web sites and online tools can help health-care professionals and organizations implement improved systems of diabetes care, focusing on evidence-based decision making, effective information systems, and meeting the needs of diverse populations. Online data can also help those wishing to purchase and implement electronic registries or electronic medical record systems (or both) to compare product characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
An increasing number of diabetes-related Web sites have become available to help clinicians, patients, and health-care systems obtain the information, tools, and support to address the many challenges involved in effective management of diabetes.
Blonde
Lawrence
L
Ochsner Diabetes Clinical Research Unit, Section on Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Parkin
Christopher G
CG
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012042:Registries; D015431:Weight Loss