The T2D Information Maze? We Built a Path - And Now, We're Sharing the Map!
- t2diabetesnetwork
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a constant challenge, and for too long, finding reliable, easy-to-understand information has added to that burden. Patients often spent hours sifting through countless websites, and even healthcare providers struggled to pinpoint the best resources for their clients. It was a fragmented mess, and frankly, it impacted people's health.
That's why we were so thrilled to launch our centralized digital platform for T2D, the T2D Network, in British Columbia back in March 2025! It's been live and making a difference, but we didn't want to keep our process a secret. We believe in collaborative innovation.
So, we’ve now published a detailed paper, "Designing a Centralized Digital Platform to Support Type 2 Diabetes: From Idea to Implementation," to share exactly how we built this resource.
Why This T2D Platform Matters (And How We Built It)
When we set out, our vision was simple: one trusted place for everything T2D-related, for both patients and providers. The paper delves into the initial problems we faced, the fragmented information, the struggle for accessible content. Our aim was to create a tool that wasn't just available but truly actionable.
And here’s the crucial part we've now shared in detail: how we ensured its effectiveness. This platform wasn't just designed; it was co-created, ensuring every step was guided by real human needs:
Patients at the Helm: Nine individuals living with T2D (or at risk) from incredibly diverse backgrounds, were right there from day one. Their lived experiences shaped what the platform actually needed to do to be helpful.
Clinicians Lending Their Expertise: Eleven dedicated healthcare professionals – educators, pharmacists, physicians, dietitians, nurses, and more – provided crucial clinical accuracy and ensured alignment with best practices.
Constant Conversation & Iteration: We baked feedback into every stage. Through interviews, focus groups, and usability tests, the platform evolved continuously. Seeing their suggestions implemented so quickly was incredibly motivating for our co-creators!
What's Inside & Our Early Impact
Drawing from extensive literature and all that invaluable user feedback, we crafted a platform packed with features designed to make life easier:
A Goldmine of Resources: Over 375 evidence-based resources (and growing) gathered in one place, no more endless searching for credible info.
Tools to Take Control: Interactive features for tracking goals, monitoring progress, and getting personalized suggestions.
Real Connection: Spaces to connect with peers and find professional support.
Built for Everyone: Designed with accessibility in mind (WCAG 2.1 AA standards!), ensuring it works for people with diverse needs and tech skills.
Our early months have already shown fantastic engagement:
Over 1,300 website visits and more than 750 unique individuals have explored the platform.
People are sticking around for over 4 minutes per session on average – that's longer than what's typically seen for similar sites.
And with a healthy 51% bounce rate, it means over half the visitors are exploring past their first page, showing real engagement.
The Future is Shared: Our T2D Blueprint for Digital Health Innovation
Our centralized digital platform for T2DM in British Columbia isn't just a website; it's a testament to the power of user-centered design and collaboration in transforming chronic disease management. By bringing resources together and fostering collaboration, it's already addressing key gaps in diabetes care.
What we're most excited about now is sharing the detailed methodology outlined in our new publication. We believe this transparent, step-by-step account offers a valuable blueprint. If you're looking to build similar essential digital health resources, our paper provides the foundation – from our literature review insights to our co-creation process and technical considerations.
The journey from idea to a live platform has been incredibly promising. We invite you to explore the platform today, and for those ready to innovate, we hope our published process inspires and guides your next steps in creating impactful digital health solutions.
Read our article here and tell us what you think in the comments below
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