Reflecting on 5 years in the diabetes online community

Reflecting on 5 years In the diabetes online community

Today we’re recognizing the 5th anniversary of this blog and the start of our social media program here at Medtronic Diabetes! It’s been an amazing experience for the entire team and we all want to thank you for being a special of this community. While today so many of you find us through other channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, this blog was what started it all. We’ve learned a lot as a company over the last 5 years…and I have, too, personally. 

Launching this blog was one of the first projects I worked on when joining Medtronic in January of 2011. I took the job with quite a bit of experience in healthcare, communications and social media but without any personal connection to type 1 diabetes. However, it didn’t take long to develop that connection – thanks to each of YOU. Today I’m inspired by some very close friends and many coworkers who live with diabetes. And what we do at Medtronic is very personal to me, as I know it impacts people I care about very much. And that includes all of you – who have taught me so much through hundreds of thousands of comments, tweets, posts, and emails. For that, I’m extremely grateful. 

As we look back on the last 5 years together, here are a few things I learned (beyond the basics of bolus vs. basal).

1. Diabetes Does not Discriminate and Everyone’s Journey is Different

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate based on geography, income, gender, social status or a lot of the other things that typically bring people together. And two people with diabetes living in the same house can still have two very different diabetes journeys. We’re always trying to share information that’s meaningful to you and continuously test new topics: from advice to those who are newly diagnosed, to tips for parents, and answers to top questions like how to sleep with an insulin pump. We also always make sure you’re updated on Medtronic initiatives from new partnerships, clinical trials, and the latest diabetes tech.

Sleepover Tips For A Child With Diabetes | The LOOP Blog
2. People with Diabetes and Their Care Partners are Resilient…And Inspiring.

You are a constant source of encouragement to me and my team and we learn so much from you. From vibrant discussions on our Facebook page, to Instagram photos of new pumps arriving on your doorstep, we’re honored to have conversations with you every single day. From people like Cindy who have lived with it for over three decades, to parents of multiple children with diabetes like my dear friend Meri, and healthcare providers like  Dr. Francine Kaufman who volunteer in their free time in places like Haiti, I hope that you know how much each of your stories have touched my heart.Return To Haiti Part 1 | The LOOP Blog

3. The Diabetes Online Community (DOC) is Changing

Like any living thing, the DOC is ever-changing. And it’s grown significantly in five years, which is a testament to your ability to reach and support others. The most inspiring part of this change is seeing new people coming in with new ways to help and advocate for others – from inspirational campaigns like Beyond Type 1 or #DiabetesDoesntStopMe to patient engagement in legislative issues such as the CGM Medicare Access Act and the MasterLab conference.  I love Karen’s blog on how she found her voice and became a diabetes advocate in a way that was right for her.

 MasterLab 2015: Raising Voices for Diabetes Advocacy | The LOOP Blog 

Of course a growing community also brings differing points of view. Not everyone agrees, which can be confusing or discouraging to some. We hope to serve as a beacon of light and help to educate, clarify misconceptions, and help people to live a life with greater freedom and better health. It’s important to us that all people with diabetes are uplifted and that in the midst of diversity, we’re all able to find a way to unify around what’s most important.

4. There’s still so much to learn and do

As the global diabetes population expands, so is our business focus. The progress toward an artificial pancreas that I’ve witnessed in just the last five years is incredibly exciting. We’re continuing to lead that charge and develop tools and services like MiniMed Connect that make it easier and more convenient for people to manage their diabetes. This work primarily benefits people living with type 1 or advanced type 2 diabetes (those who need intensive insulin therapy). But we’ve also recently begun a concerted effort to better help the growing number of people with type 2 diabetes. For our team, that means getting to know a whole new group of people and finding the best way we can use social media to engage, support and learn from those tackling the daily challenges of type 2. What exactly that looks like we’ll see in time. But I am excited by the opportunity to continue to be inspired by this amazing community. 

Now, let’s hear from you. What have we done well? How could we improve? We’d love to hear your feedback so we can make sure the blog meets your needs in the next year, and five years! And be sure to comment with your favorite blog post of all-time with your chance to win a prize. 

Best, 

Karrie

 

 

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Blog comments

I've always believed that you guys do a phenomenal job with your online social media presence and you set the bar incredibly high for your competitors. Keep up the great work!

Thank you for the comment and kind words, Scott. To show our appreciation for being a member of our community you were randomly selected to receive one of five Medtronic water bottles. We'll be reaching out to you via email for the address you'd like it sent to.

Submitted by Gerri Apostolosii (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I am fairly new to the community and after 47 years of managing and mis-managing my Type 1 diabetes I am just happy to have a place to see what's new and what other people think. No favorites yet but I love everything!! Keep up the great work and Happy 5th!!

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Gerri Apostolosii (not verified)

Thank you, Gerri, for being a member of our community. To say thank you we'd like to send you a Medtronic water bottle. We'll be reaching out to you via email for the address you'd like it sent to.

Submitted by Roger evans (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I always love being able to stay up to date with the newest upcoming technologies and updates from Medtronic on your Facebook updates. Thanks for keeping us up to date on everything.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Roger evans (not verified)

You're welcome, Roger. To show our appreciation, we'd like to send you a Medtronic water bottle. We'll be reaching out to you via email for the address you'd like it sent to.

Submitted by Kevin columbo (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Behind the Wheel with Diabetes it was in December of 2014 i believe

I am worried about my injection sites. They are getting worse. I have been T1 for 34 years now. I got on a minimed pump in 2001 and I will probablly be getting the newer pump in this December. I am on SSI Disability since 2002. I have a lot more auto-immune diseases. I am trying to stay healthy.

My diabetes educator had me try some different sets or infusion products. I'm sorry I forgot the names. I am using the quick sets. I used to change every three days. My sites were getting worse. My doctor and I decided for me to change every other day. Sometimes I still get a bad area on my body. I'm afraid that I am going to have to go back to shots. The doctor that diagnosed me never told me other areas on my body except my legs. My legs are humped up and I don't even try that area. I arm using the area on my leg above the humped area. My stomach is getting bad too. My arms I only do in the fall and winter, because you can't see that area. In the late spring threw early fall I will only have my stomach and maybe my upper legs. Now you now what I am going threw. Thanks for listening.

Wendy, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with infusion sites. I’d like to connect you with a member of my team to see if they can help. I will have them reach out to you through the email address you provided. In the meantime, you may find this blog article on lumps and bumps interesting - http://www.loop-blog.com/lumps-and-bumps-from-insulin-therapy/.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you all for the kind comments. We're so happy to have such an active an engaged community and are glad that you find the content we share here on the LOOP valuable.

Submitted by Brandi Johnson (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I've been a type 1 diabetic for 31 years
I have used a pump for 17 years. My only complaint is that my pump is so so so old and since I'm over 21 my state insurance doesn't cover a new pump. It makes me frustrated that I can't afford a new pump on my own and my insurance doesn't cover it. Quality of life could be so great with a high functioning pump

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Brandi Johnson (not verified)

Hi Brandi, we do offer financial assistance to those who qualify, which you can learn more about here http://bit.ly/180ygiz. Please let us know if you have any other questions or would like to be connected with a team member to learn about your options.

Submitted by Shelly Caza (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have been a type 1 for 42 years and the pumping for almost 2 years has changed my life and now I'm enjoying the beach with my best friend.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Shelly Caza (not verified)

We really appreciate you being an active member of our community, Shelly. To say thank you, we're going to send you a new Medtronic water bottle that you can use on that beach with your best friend! We'll be reaching out to you via email for the address you'd like it sent to.

Submitted by Jeanna (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you for having this site. I just recently found you. I am hoping to get an insulin pump in the next few weeks. Is there any helpful hints from users that I should try to avoid doing. Any help would be great!

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Jeanna (not verified)

That’s great to hear Jeanna, welcome to the community! If you’d like to connect one-on-one with a real Medtronic insulin pump and CGM user to ask any lifestyle questions you may have you can contact one of our MiniMed Ambassadors here – www.minimedambassadors.com. If there is anything else we can do please let me know.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Jeanna (not verified)

You're welcome, Jeanna. We're glad to have you here! To say thank you we'd like to send you a Medtronic water bottle. We'll be reaching out to you via email for the address you'd like it sent to.

Submitted by kay (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I have had this for over15yrs. now.I take four shots a day.Its sure is a horrific thing to have.It has been all through my family.I hope one day they find a cure.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by kay (not verified)

Thanks Kay for your comment and for being a member of our community. We agree that resources and research should be pursued for a biological cure for diabetes. At Medtronic, our mission is focused on improving and extending lives through the application of medical technology until a cure is found. In the interim, we want to improve the lives of people today, so they can live a longer, healthier life.

Submitted by kay ingels (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

This is a horrific thing to deal with.I have had it for over twenty years now.Members of my family have been affected by it also.I hope they find a cure one day.Its no fun taking four shots a day....

Although I am Hispanic, visit this page for the valuable content, and for the excellent work you do to help people who have diabetes.

It's been very helpful for me.

Thank you for your comment and being a member of our community, Carlos. We're glad you find the content on the LOOP helpful.

Really Great work you people doing,I am always reading your Medtronic Facebook updates. Keep on updates.

What a great community, you guys are awesome and I love the awareness you spread about diabetes


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