We believe that quality information is vital for everyone affected by diabetes. It's a complicated condition, and there's a lot to take in.
But having clear, up-to-date information at your fingertips can make all the difference. Whether you're getting to grips with a diagnosis, working out what food won’t spike your blood sugars, or knowing your legal rights at work – we're here for you.
Find out how we make sure the diabetes information you get is clear of jargon, clinically accurate and involves you.
“I had a lot of questions and found the answers on your wonderful web pages. I am looking forward to a healthy future now.”
Pamela, one of our members
Clear and simple
The average reading age in the UK is about nine years old. And diabetes is already a complicated condition. So we need to be clear and to the point with our message. This means short sentences and avoiding using many words when one will do.
We try to explain things as simply as possible without losing any meaning. And since there can be more than one word for the same thing, we’ll explain medical terms people may hear from their doctor or at the hospital.
We're a member of the Patient Information Forum. They provide expert guidance on producing high-quality, trustworthy health information to 300 organisations across the NHS, voluntary, academic, freelance and commercial sectors.
Accessible to all
Accessible means getting the right information, at the right time, in the right format for you.
Diabetes doesn't discriminate, it can affect anyone. So we need to make sure that the most diverse range of people can find and benefit from our support and expert information. This includes people whose first language is not English or who have sight problems.
We work hard to make sure our website meets digital accessibility standards and that our information is easy to read whatever device you're using.
But we all digest information in different ways, so we make videos, podcasts and infographics too. Discover what's right for you:
- Order our free diabetes booklets.
- Get personalised, digital information from our website.
- Download our information in other languages.
- Watch our subtitled videos on our YouTube channel.
- Call our helpline team to get information in large print and audio, or just to talk things through.
- Sign into our Learning Zone to find quizzes and games to help you learn the basics of managing diabetes.
Clinically accurate
We have a rigorous editorial process to ensure that the guidance we’re giving is medically correct and up-to-date, with all the latest research to back it up.
Our team of content designers and diabetes experts co-produce all our diabetes information. Our team of expert clinicians are made up of experienced diabetes specialist nurses and registered dietitians, with years of hands-on experience treating and supporting people with diabetes.
Always speak to your healthcare team for medical advice, because they know your individual situation the best.
Involving people with diabetes
We ask for your support in developing our diabetes information, so that it's relevant to you and your experiences. This means continuously carrying out research to find out your frustrations, worries or questions, so that we can try to answer them and support you better. And you share your personal stories with us, to help others learn from your experiences.
But there's more we need to do. If you'd like to help us improve the information we produce, get in touch at content@diabetes.org.uk
Award-winning content
We’re really proud that our content wins awards, including:
- British Medical Awards 2019, Patient Information Award winner for excellence in the production and dissemination of accessible, well-designed and clinically-balanced patient information.
- Third Sector Excellence Awards 2019, 2020 - runner up for Be in the Know, an awareness campaign on the complications of diabetes and It's Missing, raising awareness of the emotional and mental side of diabetes.
- Charity Film Awards 2020, Bronze People’s Choice Bronze for our film about the emotional impact of diabetes.
- British Society of Magazine Editor Awards 2019, 2020 - shortlisted for our health and lifestyle magazine Balance.
Help us provide information and support
Trustworthy, accurate information has never been more important. Our website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your support can ensure we get information to people with diabetes at the right time, in the format they need it. Thank you for your kind donations, it really does make a difference.
