The Diabetes Management Platform (or DMP) app is a platform that provides people with diabetes access to a variety of information related to diabetes management. This app also allows its users to join specific social groups according to their needs and interests, as well as read articles and chat with specialists.
I didn’t know any of this when I was first approached by a person representing DMP. She asked if I would be interested in collaborating with them.
We are still discussing what any sort of collaboration between Diabetes Advocacy and DMP would look like. In the meantime, I thought I would share what I have learned about the app so far.
What is the DMP app?
DMP is a free app for people living with diabetes. The creators felt that many people with diabetes were frustrated by the lack of type-distinguished communities found on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
On July 13th, 2020 DMP was launched. Its mission is “to cultivate support among diabetic individuals in a community setting. Individuals from loved ones to professional diabetes experts are all welcomed to DMP to discuss and learn about diabetes management.”
“After months of market research, surveys, and speaking to diabetics of all ages and different types, we discovered their needs and started building. Our mandate is to foster a community of people living with or supporting those diagnosed with diabetes.” TLC Platforms Inc.’s founder and SEO, Sean Zaborski explains.
Their goal was to provide uncomplicated access for diabetics to obtain medical information. The DMP app is home to licensed dietitians, diabetes influencers, and medical researchers who host weekly live streams to help users learn more about diabetes management from the comfort of their own homes.
As of October 5th, 2020 there are over 1500 users on the app.
What makes DMP different from other social media outlets?
The more I dug into the DMP app, the more I wanted to know what made them different. The short answer is the fact that this app is there to help all people with diabetes with peer and expert support.
I remained curious as to how they would stand out. I also had a few other questions, so I asked the team at DMP directly. This is some of what they had to say…
What is the biggest difference between using DMP vs. #DOC Twitter chats or diabetes Facebook groups?
The biggest difference between using this app in comparison to joining a Facebook group or Twitter chat is that this app is specific to people with diabetes. Twitter and Facebook offer the opportunity to create discussions surrounding diabetes. Unfortunately, these conversations can be lost in the “clutter of the web.”
In a generic chat, recommendations regarding professional help, articles, and videos can all get lost as more people join in. Since DMP is a diabetes focused platform, all this information is neatly organized so that users can reference back to it whenever they need to. This allows our users to find whatever information they need quickly whether it be live streams, articles, professional assistance, or community support.
What age group is this app designed for?
The app also caters to a wide range in age groups.
What is the difference between the DMP and platforms provided by Beyond Type 1 or TuDiabetes?
“The difference between DMP and a platform like Beyond Type 1 and TuDiabetes is that DMP is an app that is targeted towards all types of diabetes, as well as diabetes supporters.
Although Beyond Type 1 has expanded its programs to incorporate information about Type 2 diabetics, its primary focus remains on Type 1 diabetes. They provide resources such as learning about equipment and nutrition, but unlike DMP, it does not provide diabetics with a roster of professionals that they can contact.
The DMP app offers discussion forums, articles, access to professionals, and livestreams all in one place. It gives people the chance to connect with those living with different types of diabetes. This allows people to compare experience, give helpful tips, and educate one another.
While TuDiabetes offers a social forum, it is browser dependent. Users must open the browser on their screen to use it. In addition, it is also separate from the Beyond Type 1 website. Users must be redirected to this page to participate in discussions, while then having to go back to the Beyond Type 1 website for articles and information. DMP solves that problem by having an app where users can access everything all in one place. They can take part in discussions or get access to medical help from professionals on one platform.
Why should a person with diabetes or caregivers download this app?
A person with diabetes or a caregiver of someone living with diabetes should download this app because it is an open and accepting forum to speak about anything regarding diabetes. Users talk to one another through discussion forums. They can also build friendships through features such as direct messaging. In addition, we offer users a chance to share their story to help inspire others in coming to terms with their diagnosis.
Who would most benefit from using this app?
The type of people who would most benefit from using our app would be people who have diabetes as well as parents or caregivers of people living with diabetes. People in this situation are able to ask questions or speak about experiences that they have gone through. Not only do they get community support, but they can get answers to their questions and connect with professionals right when they need assistance.
Other types of people who would benefit from using our app are medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. By collaborating with us, medical professionals have the opportunity to reach more people in their target demographic and increase awareness of their services. In turn, this translates into increased demand for their services and the opportunity to expand their business.
You can try the app for yourself in Apple or Google Play stores.
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I think TUDiabetes will be mine for a few years yet. But it is great to know of new possibilities. After all who knows when they will toss me out.
🙂