Any newly diagnosed diabetic who has ventured into the world of the
internet, and especially into the world of newsgroups, has made a choice
which could help save his or her life. As in all things internet, however,
that also means they have to be a "thinking diabetic".

The newsgroups such as misc.health.diabetes and alt.support diabetes are
"unmoderated". What that means is that anyone can post quite freely -
anyone's posts will appear immediately for all to read. This is no matter
how good or insane the posts are, and no matter who the poster professes
themselves to be.

Just because someone has an insane-sounding user name does not mean their
advice is bad. Just because someone has a very respectable sounding name
does not mean their advice is good. many posters, some to protect their
identity against spammers, and some to protect their identity against prying
employers and others, mask their true name. Their advice may be quite
worthwhile. Some, on the other hand, who may appear as professional and
respected people, may simply be charlatans - out to either make money out of
you, or to give you harmful advice for no other reason that malice.

Stay on a newsgroup for a while and read the posts. Try to verify any
suggestions, by referencing them on other credible sources, and by looking
for similar suggestions from other posters. In a surprisingly short time
you'll learn to tell the difference between the reputable posters and the
charlatans.

Many people on any health newsgroup will offer you miraculous cures - cures
which do not involve in you having to modify your life in any way. Avoid
falling for their scams, as they are simply out to make money from you, as
in fact from any sufferer froma deadly or debilitating disease.

I am certain the good people in misc.health.diabetes and
alt.support.diabetes will want to add comments. I also have a feeling that
the odd charlatan may chip in. You will be able to tell the difference.

Henry Mydlarz.