A selection of online resources
Diabetes is one of the world's biggest health problems, and its prevalence is increasing. In the United Kingdom alone, an estimated 1.4 million people have diabetes. This number is predicted to double by 2010, and an estimated 1 million people may have the disease without knowing it. People who want to live their lives without limits, even with diabetes, will need to know a lot about their illness and a lot about themselves. The foundation of basic diabetes care has not changed much in recent years, yet more is becoming known about diabetes every day. Information about diabetes and diabetes care can be obtained from many sources. Most sites featured here offer useful links, media cuttings, activities, and comprehensive information for professionals as well as consumers. Some sites even provide information on job vacancies. 
Diabetes Care One Touch (www.lifescan.com/care/index.html), a site created by the company LifeScan, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is targeted directly at consumers. It provides advice on diet and nutrition, physical activity, monitoring, medications, and short term complications. Visitors can download monitoring tools, and an expert diabetes educator is available for questions. Also of interest is the “diabetes stories” section, where readers can gain inspiration from others.
The American Association of Diabetes Educators (www.aadenet.org/) is a multidisciplinary organisation representing more than 10 000 healthcare professionals who provide diabetes education and care. Membership is open to all health professionals with an interest in helping people live full and productive lives. Of interest to patients is the option to find an educator, by name or by city. 
The American Diabetes Organization (www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf) is the United States' leading non-profit health organisation providing diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The association funds research, publishes scientific findings, and provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health care professionals, and the public.
Patient self management is the aim of Healthtalk (www.healthtalk.com/den/index.html), which has been providing online education for patients since 1997. The site features weekly news, subscription to a free newsletter, and an interactive facility to ask questions.
The International Diabetes Federation (www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=1), active since 1950, is the only global advocate for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. This non-governmental organisation—evolved into an umbrella organisation of 181 member associations in 141 countries, and whose multinational staff reflects its remit—works with the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, and its member associations to enhance the lives of people with diabetes.
The Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (www.diabetes-exercise.org/) is a non-profit organisation, whose members include people with diabetes who participate in fitness activities at all levels, healthcare professionals, and people who are interested in promoting exercise in the diabetes care plan. 
Harvard University's Joslin Diabetes Center (http://joslin.harvard.edu/jnationwide/developing/disease_management.shtml) runs a diabetes disease management programme to help healthcare organisations provide high quality, cost effective diabetes patient care and education. The programme offers processes and tools to clinicians and patients that decrease variability in practice, reduce short and long term complications, increase quality of life, and meet regulatory standards. The components can be implemented individually, or as a complete programme. Programme design and implementation is based on clients' individual needs and goals.
The programme has cut average per patient costs by 20% in its first two years and cut overall costs for diabetes patients to 50% of the US national average.
Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk/) is the leading charity working for people with diabetes in the United Kingdom. It funds research, campaigns, and helps people to live with the condition.