Peer Support Through a Diabetes Social Media Community

Abstract

Background: Caregivers and individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are members of CGM in the Cloud, a Facebook group associated with the Nightscout Project, were interviewed to assess how the online community impacted peer support. Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers and patients who are part of CGM in the Cloud Facebook group. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify various themes related to peer support in the online group. Results: Members of the CGM in the Cloud Facebook group identified peer support through giving and receiving technical, emotional, and medical support, as well as giving back to the larger community by paying it forward. Peer support also extended beyond the online forum, connecting people in person, whether they were local or across the country. Conclusions: An online community can provide many avenues for peer support through emotional and technical support, as well as serve as a tool of empowerment. The community as a whole also had a spirit of altruism that bolstered confidence in others as well as those who paid it forward.