Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Diabetes
About this site: Just one of the US federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's many duties includes providing information on chronic conditions like diabetes. This section contains general health information on how to diagnose the condition, research, and where to find diabetes control programs in your state. (http://www.cdc.gov/health/diabetes.htm)
Pluses: There's an extensive current and historical archive on hard-to-find reports.
Minuses: Many of the reports are aimed at public health professionals, so if you're looking for general information, you may have to hunt around.
Best feature: The site contains some quick statistics, fact sheets, and FAQs on diabetes, including an easy-access map to find your local diabetes control program.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
About this site: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Diseases is part of the National Institutes of Health, a federal agency that does cutting-edge research on diseases that affect public health. Its section on diabetes contains everything from information on blood sugar control, exercise, and nutrition to how this disease affects different racial groups such as Latinos and African-Americans. (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/diabetes.htm)
Pluses: Articles are comprehensive, easy to read, and address common health complications of diabetes.
Minuses: Each report is on a separate page, so you have to do a lot of clicking.
Best feature: The stories target people who are especially susceptible to diabetes.
American Diabetes Association
About this site: Considering that 1 million Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes, chances are this disease affects you or someone you know. In addition to risk factors and treatment information, this comprehensive site has a diabetic-friendly recipe of the day, articles on exercising safely, even advice on coping with a diabetic pet. You can also download the lengthy clinical practice guidelines. (http://www.diabetes.org/)
Pluses: A special page for African Americans/ Canadians, who are at higher risk for developing the disease.
Minuses: Push for donations is more prominent than diabetes information.
Best feature: Use the Diabetes Quiz to calculate your own risk.
Children with DIABETES
About this site: Visit the non-profit Children with DIABETES for information on everything from diabetic-friendly school lunches and summer camps to the latest research and legal news. The active community area includes a special section for kids to share their stories. (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com)
Pluses: The articles and huge diabetes dictionary address most concerns. If you still have questions, you can ask the medical experts on the Diabetes Team.
Minuses: It's not obvious how to get to other sections of the site--you have to pick a new section from a small pull-down menu.
Best feature: Search or browse the product database to find books, medical supplies and special foods. Or, find a friend through the database of children and adults dealing with diabetes.
