“This is a social media site for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, food & body concerns, and eating disorders to interact and submit creative self-expression (art, writing, anything original that reflects the experience of having diabetes and food and body issues). Please help promote it. My research depends on people registering and participating. All user-submitted content will become my data, shedding light on the experience of people with diabetes and disordered eating, and how creative expression and social media might help them.” -Lee Ann Thill

Sign up for the VIAL Project here.
These types of projects are immeasurably important. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that things like social networks and art therapy make a difference in diabetes management, it’s going to take time before medical professionals truly recognize and, more importantly, share this insight with their peers. Until then, we have to be our own advocates. To that end, things like this or the You Can Do This Project will carry the torch and be beacons of inspiration for others looking to make a difference – no matter how big or small.

I’m just doing my part to spread the word.