Summary

#DiabetesChat fosters connections among individuals affected by diabetes, providing a trustworthy platform for exchanging ideas and raising awareness. The @diabetes_chat hosts weekly Twitter Spaces with open discussions, #thursdaythreads, fun facts and guest speakers. This secure community brings together people with diabetes, caregivers, healthcare professionals (HCPs), athletes and advocates worldwide. With a reach of over 150,000 in under 18 months, it has set its foundations organically and strongly in the diabetes community. The mission is to connect, share experiences, support each other, transfer knowledge and promote diabetes awareness across all types.

Innovation

Tom founded #DiabetesChat because he wanted to connect with others living with diabetes, to combat feelings of isolation and to gain knowledge and support. At its inception and with gaining confidence from accessing a glucose sensor for the first time, he recognised the challenges of living with diabetes. At that time, in early 2022, it was difficult to meet up, but he wanted to talk to others who could benefit from this technology. The objective was to provide a safe space for individuals with diabetes to share experiences, raise awareness and foster a sense of unity. #DiabetesChat created a supportive, online community through the use of #DiabetesChat Twitter Spaces, podcasts, YouTube channels and guest speaker chats. These platforms offered convenience and accessibility for participants, allowing them to engage in discussions, ask questions and share their stories. Including HCPs from various fields of diabetes care demonstrated the commitment to a comprehensive approach to support and education. The weekly #DiabetesChat Twitter Spaces provided an accessible forum for individuals to listen, tweet or join the speaking panel, allowing them to engage at their own comfort level. The podcasts on the website and the YouTube channel further enhanced accessibility and inclusivity, while respecting anonymity. #DiabetesChat expanded to include #DiabetesChatstories events, facilitating connections between HCPs, researchers, parents and the community. Topics included Smart Insulin Pens and Hybrid Closed Looping, as well as research updates from around the world. The weekly #thursdaythreads, led by trusted DSN and EDEN educator James Ridgeway, ensured the provision of accurate information, community conversations and reallife experiences. In-person #DiabetesChat events at JDRF discovery days are also planned. This expansion to in-person gatherings provided an additional avenue for peer support and knowledge sharing. Measurement tools included engagement levels, feedback from participants and the growth and reach of the community across platforms. By continuously adapting and evolving, #DiabetesChat remains unique in its comprehensive approach to diabetes support, education and community building.

Equality, Diversity and Variation

#DiabetesChat has become more inclusive and accessible over time, meeting the diverse needs of its audience, evolving from a Twitter Space to a weekly podcast, topical webinars streamed on YouTube, private hangout event chat space on the website, quiz nights, book clubs, open chat forums, weekly interactive Tweetorials by an HCP, to a global, multi-hosted, 24-hour chat experience. #DiabetesChat’s reach includes not just the UK, but many continents. Embracing anonymity, #DiabetesChat allows individuals to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or stigma. This encourages participation from those who may hesitate to share experiences, promoting equality and reducing barriers to access. Through active listening, the platform identifies gaps in knowledge and resources to address. Appropriateness is also emphasised and the platform embraces the concept of ‘Your Diabetes May Vary’. By incorporating diverse perspectives, #DiabetesChat promotes inclusivity. Each meeting is available every Monday from 8pm through the individual’s phone. The interventions by #DiabetesChat positively influence the outcomes and experiences of community members. It creates a sense of belonging and trust, eliminating feelings of shame or judgment. This reduction in variation is evident through balanced topic coverage, increased engagement and positive participant feedback.

Results

Since its creation on 14 February 2022, #DiabetesChat has achieved significant results and demonstrated its effectiveness in reaching its objectives. These include: 70 Twitter spaces with 245 hours of engagement; the 24-hour live Twitter space for World Diabetes Day raised awareness for diabetes, connected with global communities and showcased how #DiabetesChat brought people together; the launch of #DiabetesChatStories events on YouTube gained over 1,500 viewers, facilitating education and awareness on important topics; the YouTube channel has 64 prerecorded and live-stream videos with 117 subscribers, 9,000 views and 600 hours of watch time since June 2022; the website and podcast archive, established in June 2022, have accumulated around 11,000 views and feature guest speaker chats; more than 10,000 live listens/replays of #DiabetesChat Twitter Spaces; 22 #thursdaythreads with over 131,000 views. The growth and impact of the community are evident in the expansion of platforms, high engagement levels and positive feedback from participants. The initiative has increased knowledge, encouraged proactive conversations with healthcare teams, and empowered individuals to make informed decisions. #DiabetesChat is privately funded by its founder. It maximises resources by utilising digital platforms and a team of nine volunteers, all living with diabetes.

User Feedback

Diabetes Professionals have recongised the value of #DiabetesChat as a platform for people with diabetes and their support networks. Users describe it as supportive, understanding, relatable and a place for open dialogue. Feedback is collected organically on Twitter in chat spaces and across other event types. The questions the community ask during the events play a vital role in understanding knowledge gaps and identifying wants and needs. This information is used to shape future events. The involvement of trustworthy professionals and educators from DAFNE and DESMOND adds credibility to the content and discussions.

Dissemination and Sustainability

#DiabetesChat has a global reach. Elements that can be developed further include peer support, accessible and inclusive platforms, collaboration with HCPs and continuous improvement based on user feedback. Peer support is a crucial aspect. Diverse digital platforms ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Adopting similar strategies in other services can reach a broader audience and cater to diverse needs. Integrating HCPs in similar initiatives can improve patient experience and promote accurate information. A similar initiative would require a dedicated team to organise and moderate discussions, manage digital platforms and engage with participants. #DiabetesChat will continue to prosper with an in-person conference and community-led events.