Purpose: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.