Health Information Updates
NIDDK’s Diabetes Discoveries and Practice Blog celebrates 2nd anniversary
The NIDDK Diabetes Discoveries and Practice Blog has more than 70 posts, 85,000 page views, and 3,000 subscribers – all in the name of improving diabetes care and outcomes. Not the latest pint-sized influencer on YouTube – though that would certainly be an interesting story – the blog celebrates its second anniversary in September.
Publishing on topics from nutrition and physical activity, to medication adherence, shared decision-making, metformin, new technologies, and practice transformation, the blog seeks to share insights and best practices among leading health care experts, health care professionals, and researchers.
“We wanted to create push for NIDDK research updates and practical tools, while encouraging dialogue in the diabetes community,” says Kathy Kranzfelder, director of NIDDK’s Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL). “NIDDK is committed to trying new channels to try to compress the bench to bedside timeline—that is, the lag from findings to clinical practice to improved outcomes.”
Through video and written posts, the blog has featured experts from basic and clinical research to primary and specialty care. Experts who have contributed emerging trends and practical applications in diabetes prevention and management include
- Ann Albright, PhD, RDN, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Diabetes Translation in the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Talking to your Patients about Prediabetes)
- Janet Brown-Friday, RN, MSN, MPH, clinical trials manager of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Diabetes Clinical Trials Unit (Metformin Titration Regimen)
- Linda Siminerio, PhD, RN, professor of medicine and nursing, health, and community systems at the University of Pittsburgh (Telemedicine)
- Sue Kirkman, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of North Carolina, and medical director of the UNC Diabetes Care Center's Clinical Trial Unit (Guiding Principles and NDEP National Diabetes Survey)
"This blog is a catalyst for the work of others – identifying models of diabetes care and best practices," says Diane Tuncer, diabetes content lead at NIDDK. "We've been thrilled with the enthusiasm and growing participation of subject matter experts who are willing to share their expertise in this way."
Dana Sheets, NIDDK OCPL’s Digital Engagement team lead and OCPL deputy director, was the first to suggest that NIDDK OCPL launch a blog. “Two years later,” Sheets says, “the blog continues to be a resource that allows health care professionals to learn from each other about different approaches to diabetes care outside of their day-to-day routines.”
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