Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The popular social media platform TikTok has emerged as a significant influencer on healthcare information. It enables the sharing of medical advice, personal experiences, and community building. However, concerns about the accuracy of health-related content persist. This study evaluates the reliability of diabetes management information on TikTok and examines the accuracy of the guidance provided.

Methodology: We conducted a qualitative content analysis of the 50 most-viewed TikTok videos tagged with #diabetesmanagement over a 30-day period. Videos were analysed based on creator affiliation, content accuracy, format (educational, narrative, or promotional), and the use of evidence-based references.

Results: Only 26% of the videos were produced by healthcare professionals. Content accuracy varied considerably, with 46% of posts being accurate, 28% partially accurate, and 26% inaccurate. Educational content comprised 68% of the posts, while 24% focused on personal experiences and 8% on promotional content. Notably, only 14% of posts cited references, with the remaining 86% lacking credible supporting evidence.

Discussion: TikTok offers opportunities and challenges for patient education. While the platform enables engaging health content, the prevalence of misinformation remains a concern. Numerous studies, including ours, highlight the rapid spread of inaccurate information on social media. TikTok’s viral nature often amplifies unverified claims. Our findings show a tendency for posts to prioritise quick fixes over addressing the chronic, multifactorial nature of diabetes and its complications. We emphasise the need for healthcare professionals to recognise social media’s influence on patient perceptions and engagement with diabetes management. By doing so, we can work collaboratively with patients to improve their understanding, guide them toward evidence-based resources and provide tailored support. Ultimately, this aims to improve engagement with ongoing care and empowers patients to make informed health decisions.