Patient use of the internet for diabetes information.

: The internet can provide excellent health information to support people with diabetes in self-management and care. This small-scale study reports how 30 people with long-term diabetes accessed general health information relating to their condition, and the type of information they sought.To determine the preferred method for people with long-term diabetes to access information about their condition, and what type of information they require.A convenience sample of 30 individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aged 22-64 years, participated in an email pilot survey.Thematic data analysis identified two main themes: the internet was preferred for finding answers to general diabetes health questions; but health professionals tended to be asked about specific diabetes self-management issues, such as insulin dosage adjustments.The internet was seen as a fast, convenient source of answers to general diabetes health questions. Specific information needs, such as insulin dosage adjustment, were retained until the annual diabetes check at the hospital with a diabetes consultant or diabetes specialist nurse.