Diabetes misinformation grows on social networks

The false priests on diabetes and myths around this pathology have multiplied in social networks, according to the social networks report made by the Spanish Diabetes Federation (Fede) and the #Saludsinbulos Institute.

The monitoring report from October 15 to November 17, 2023, together with the 202 Digital Reputation consultant, has analyzed the topics on which users have written during the weeks prior to World Diabetes Day (November 14).

During the analyzed period the terms 'diabetes', 'type 1' diabetes and 'type 2' diabetes have been monitored and more than 50,000 results have been obtained, assuming 189 percent more compared to the previous month (mid -September in mid -SeptemberOctober).

In relation to misinformation, a part of the conversation is related to the possible treatment of diabetes through the use of medicinal plants or the significant reduction of carbohydrate intake.

"Diabetes, being a chronic and very prevalent disease, generates a large number of bulos on miraculous cures or vaccines, with millions of networks. We find myths on foods that slow the disease or even cure it, and misinformation related to theCarbohydrate and fructose intake, among others.

In this sense, the president of Fede, Juan Francisco Perán, warns that "the high level of misinformation about diabetes in social networks shows the need for patients to have references that can be oriented in the 'infodemia',such as health professionals and patient associations. "

According to the report, the diabetes related content with more interactions generated has taken place on YouTube.The video platform concentrates more than 227,000 of the 295,000 monitored interactions in the study period.

According to the Federation, the authors use striking phrases to more easily attract the attention of the public, regardless of the veracity of the content.Thus, issues are identified as ways to reverse diabetes;Methods to control this pathology, above all, through food;or causes of diabetes.

On the other hand, in the social network X the conversation has addressed more thematic with specific content about World Diabetes Day, such as the awareness and management of this disease;importance of early detection;and diet and nutrition.In this social network, more than 42K interactions have been obtained.

The main hashtags that have been used on social networks have been #Diabetes and #DíamundialDeladiabetes.On the other hand, the main influencers have been Fede, with more than 1.7 million people reached, and forum diabetes, with a range of 1 million people.

Meanwhile, in the media, the issues addressed have been World Diabetes Day;the evolution of the devices for their control;Chronic renal disease (ERC) and its relationship with type 2 diabetes;and coffee consumption and ocular health improvement in patients with diabetes.

Finally, from Fede they point out that there have been more conversations about type 2 diabetes (almost 6,000 results and 56,000 interactions), than on type 1 diabetes (almost 3,000 results and 28,000 interactions).

   0

I find the misinformation of newspapers, magazines and televisions much worse.

They have been lying for 50 years, saying that in 5 years a cure would come out.And now people don't believe anything they say.

   0

The misinformation, bulos and "ready" that come out with fabulous solutions are somewhat generalized in social networks.And they are on any subject, including diabetes.

The problem does not come for those who release all those hoaxes, but for what they read and believe them together, without any critical thinking.

To ignorance and lack of criteria, the ease of access to issuing opinions by anyone is joined.A dangerous cocktail.

   0