title: Patient use of the internet for diabetes information.
abstract: : The internet can provide excellent health information to support people with diabetes in self-management and care. This small-scale study reports how 30 people with long-term diabetes accessed general health information relating to their condition, and the type of information they sought.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the preferred method for people with long-term diabetes to access information about their condition, and what type of information they require.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 30 individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aged 22-64 years, participated in an email pilot survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thematic data analysis identified two main themes: the internet was preferred for finding answers to general diabetes health questions; but health professionals tended to be asked about specific diabetes self-management issues, such as insulin dosage adjustments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The internet was seen as a fast, convenient source of answers to general diabetes health questions. Specific information needs, such as insulin dosage adjustment, were retained until the annual diabetes check at the hospital with a diabetes consultant or diabetes specialist nurse.
authors.affiliation: University of Greenwich.
authors.forename: Val
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D006113:United Kingdom