TikTok isn't the first place that comes to mind when it comes to the wisdom of crowds concept, but it seems I'm underestimating the video streaming app …
CNET writer Justin Eastzer told the story of how he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is primarily treated by cutting back on sugar, but later learned he had type 1 diabetes.
Remarkably, it was TikTok commenters who found out about it first.
I was already a tech YouTuber reviewing gadgets on social media, so naturally, I decided to start documenting it on TikTok. I posted videos talking about my diagnosis, using a glucometer to test my blood glucose levels, and my results.
These videos exploded with comments advising me to get tested for type 1 diabetes and treat my diabetes with insulin. I was told to get a C-peptide test to check for autoantibodies and get a proper diagnosis.
Easter did, and TikTok was mostly right. Specifically, it turned out he had latent autoimmune disease, or LADA, also known as type 1.5. It’s a variant of type 1 diabetes, and it’s treated the same way: with insulin.
Equally remarkable, this sequence of events led to a new career.
As I learned more about my type 1 diabetes and the technology used to treat it, I made more videos. After every visit to an endocrinologist or diabetes educator, I’d go on TikTok and share what I’d learned with people. That's how my channel Diabetech started, where I show people how I manage diabetes and what technology exists to help people live better. Two years later, my hobby has become my full-time career, with weekly videos on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as a podcast.
Photo by isens usa on Unsplash
