I am a member of Diabetes UK, and an officer of my local Diabetes UK group. For myself, although I am a member of both forums, I am significantly more active here than there, but I recognise the value in both.
I don't believe one size fits all. Personally, whilst it'd be great of all those living with diabetes loved this site, that's unrealistic, but I'd prefer those who prefer Diabetes UK's offering to become involved in it, than to ignore their condition altogether.
Of course, things aren't that binary.they rarely are.
In terms of my local DUK group; that's about way more than diabetes, even though that is the thread connecting all of our attendees. Our group is very diverse, in terms of ages, types of diabetes, approaches and demographically, but somehow for those few hours a month there is a strong bond of affinity and support.
As a group we were dealt a bitter blow this year, when one of our fellow travellers had a very significantly life changing health setback. To a man ((and woman), our attendees show interest in him and how he's doing, every time we come together, even though it's likely to be quite some time before he's properly back in the fold.
It is also worth noting that Diabetes UK is a major and significant provider of financial support for a proportion of the research carried out in our national research centres and diabetes centres of excellence, so every single one of us here is likely to have benefited from the work of Diabetes UK, their networks of local volunteers and their sponsored projects and scientists.
In terms of research, development and support, I'll appreciate it wherever it comes from.
