DOHA: More than 1,000 diabetics from Qatar and other countries in the region have registered with the ‘My Diabetes Story Community’, an online network exclusively for diabetics in the Middle East.
The online net work was launched in November last year supported by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) and Sanofi, a global healthcare company. The community is also supported by leading diabetes associations across the Middle East.
Led by ‘My Diabetes Story’ Ambassadors from across the region, this community is a platform for patients to actively engage in discussions related to living with diabetes as well as share advice and life experiences.
“The community offers a private space where members can openly consult, support and guide each other through the good and the bad times. After all, managing diabetes plays an important role in a person’s lifestyle and by sharing stories, members can help others who are faced with the same situation,” said Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Director of Qatar Diabetes Association.
“This community is also valuable to medical professionals, as they understand the importance of a support network to complement patients’ treatment and therapy. Our roles often involve providing emotional guidance as much as medical advice to help them overcome challenges,” he added.
Mohamed Khalid Al Saadi, the Qatari Ambassador of ‘My Diabetes Story’, has lived with diabetes since he was five and engages with members on a daily basis on various discussions.
“My Diabetes Story’ community is an online platform through which diabetics can interact by sharing important information and advice. Essentially, the community gives us the opportunity to learn how to live successfully with diabetes from others’ experiences,” he said. Community members come from various countries across the region, and are predominantly type 2 diabetics.
“Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often need the most support when they are suddenly forced to make lifestyle changes, and are constantly in search of information and practical advice. We care about the individuals who live with diabetes and are continuously seeking ways to support them by providing added value beyond medication and therapies,” said Ayman Mokhtar, General Manager at Sanofi Gulf.
“Patient-to-patient communication can be very powerful and we encourage diabetics to join this private community that has become a growing network of inspiring and helpful individuals who are always available to offer insight and recommendations,” he added. Interested individuals can register online at www.mydiabetestory.com/lp/ . Once members join, they can participate in conversation related to diabetes, pose questions, post news articles, images or videos and even build friend groups.The Peninsula
