How to Manage Your Diabetes Online

Diabetes management can be challenging and time-consuming because you must closely monitor your diet and medication, control your stress levels and get enough exercise. However, there are many online tools to make the process easier and improve your health. According to a 2009 study by the Center for Connected Health, online diabetes management programs helped patients lower mean glucose levels and HbA1c levels and improved the communication between doctors and patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose an online tracking system to record your medical data. There are several websites, including SugarStats, which allows you to input information on your blood sugar readings, medication, food intake and physical activity via text, email and Twitter. You can receive daily blood sugar averages and highs in raw numbers and in graph form. Plus, the diabetes log feature, lets you track doctor's visits and HbA1c results. You also can share the data with your friends, family and health care providers.

• 2

  Work with trained dieticians through online diabetes counseling programs. Through sites such as Nutritionvista, you can work with dietitians to develop an exercise and meal plan.

• 3

  Join an online diabetes support group. Support groups will connect you to other diabetes sufferers who can share tips on daily living.

• 4

  Use mobile apps when you're on the go. The MyGlucoHealth's app, for example, lets you wirelessly upload blood tests, your weight and other nutritional information and review results in chart form. The app also will notify a family member or health care provider via text message if your sugar levels are too high.

• 5

  Find diabetic-friendly recipes. "Diabetic Gourmet Magazine" features has numerous recipes on its website -- everything from a double chocolate brownie recipe to a 15-minute chili.