What Do You Want to Talk About?

Last night’s #dsma chat was a particularly good one, because its intention was to generate discussion and feedback about what people in the diabetes online community (DOC) want to talk about.

These questions will be about DSMA and how we can improve your experience and to discuss topics that are near and dear to you. #dsma

— DiabetesSocMedAdvoca (@DiabetesSocMed) July 17, 2014

Over the last ten years, the diabetes community has created some effective and supportive roots on (in?) the Internet. We are a vocal and passionate group of people (living with diabetes ourselves or caring for someone touched by diabetes) and the community seems to help people who are looking for their peers, looking to change something, or simply looking to share their stories. No matter what your level of involvement might be, the DOC is a place where you can find your footing.

So this question of “What do you want to talk about?” is a great one because it can help serve the needs/ hit the goals/ scratch the itch.

Q3 D habits, technology,stories, awkward d moments, how to keep positive with D, food and advocacy. #dsma

— Gabriella (@FreakedforDemi) July 17, 2014

Q3. The emotional stuff is what I like connecting with #dsma folks about. Diabetes is way more than just blood sugars.

— Kerri / Diabetes (@sixuntilme) July 17, 2014

Q3. Advice for a family member with T1 going thru complications and "giving up" – tough to watch with T1 myself #dsma

— Nicole Michelle (@ngillespie_) July 17, 2014

Q3 technology, fitness, diabetes tips and tricks that have worked for others, a diabetes 101 list for friends/family #dsma

— Cristina Frank (@CFrankReports) July 17, 2014

Q3 T2, screening, diagnosis, SMBG, treatment, research, data, behavioral, management, selfcare, standards, science #dsma

— T2D Research (@T2DRemission) July 17, 2014

Q4: I'd love to learn more from adult T1's about giving my son more independence/responsibility. What's their advice? #dsma

— Stacey Simms (@staceysimms) July 17, 2014

Q4. 1) Closing the gap between Types 2) Diabetes successes– Let's celebrate accomplishments! #dsma

— StephenS (@StephenSType1) July 17, 2014

The evolution of the DOC is constant, and powerful, and we all have a chance to influence and shape it.  What’s important to you?  What do you want to talk about?

Thank you for being open and honest tonight-it will help shape the future. #dsma

— DiabetesSocMedAdvoca (@DiabetesSocMed) July 17, 2014

(And if you’re looking for more information on how to jump into the #dsma Twitter chats without losing your mind, check out this Diabetes and Twitter 101.)

You might also like:

What Does the DOC Mean to You? Drafting Off #DSMA: Diabetes Job Description. What is a Diabetes Advocate? Guest Post: Let’s Talk About It.