Genetics and Type 1 Diabetes: Online Resources for Patients

Abstract

This Web-based review was undertaken to compile online resources for diabetes educators on genetics--specifically, the genetics of type 1 diabetes--and to provide helpful and accurate information for the public. Keyword searches were performed to identify Web sites for genetics education for the lay public and for sites specifically geared toward children/young adults. Web sites were critiqued based on credibility (source, currency, relevance/utility), content (accuracy), and design (accessibility, logical organization). Additional keyword searches were conducted to find sites describing the genetics of type 1 diabetes, which were evaluated for content validity. The Web sites selected for general genetics education contain accessible, credible, and accurate information about basic genetics in an easy-to-follow format with both text and visual aides. Although these sites adequately educate the public about genetics, only diabetes-specific Web sites discussed the relationship between genetics and risk for type 1 diabetes associated with high-risk HLA alleles. In this genomic age, it is important for healthcare professionals to provide genetics information. Educational tools that specifically address the genetics of type 1 diabetes are urgently needed to fill the current information gaps on the Internet.