Diabetes Advocates is a not-for-profit program that connects Diabetes advocates, helps them work together, and pools their resources to help people with Diabetes. The program was launched in 2010.
How do we define a Diabetes Advocate?
“Someone who represents the voice of patients while going above and beyond to make the world better for people with Diabetes.“ We welcome anyone who meets this definition, whether they are a patient, a parent of a child with Diabetes, a spouse of someone with Diabetes, a medical professional who works to help PWDs beyond his/her practice, etc.
We envision a world where everyone who wishes to advocate for people with Diabetes can connect with other like-minded advocates and get the support they need to help people with Diabetes.
In 2009, several online Diabetes Advocates thought it was important to more formally organize the Online Diabetes Community. We believe that by banding together, we can create a stronger presence in the online and offline world. We can do things that are not possible acting alone. As the end of 2009 approached, David Edelman (from Diabetes Daily) and Manny Hernandez (from TuDiabetes), started brainstorming about how to make this possible. The Diabetes Advocates program is the result of this process along with the input from several Diabetes bloggers and online community leaders.
How to join Diabetes Advocates?
Membership Levels and Benefits
| Basic | Website link & blurb | $15 |
| Standard | Included in printed materials | $50 |
| Author | Sample book at trade shows, laptop available for ordering, and banner on the website below sponsor banner. | $100 |
| Professional | Personal presence at trade shows, be included in signage, and get copy of any email addresses collected | $200 (non-profit) / $250 |
Can’t afford the dues? That’s okay! The program has a scholarship fund for membership at the Basic level. We also accept volunteering in exchange for dues.
The Diabetes Advocate blog/website badge options:
