Facebook Communities Open the Door to Dana: The Wellness Assistant Changing Diabetes Support Worldwide
In a quiet but powerful shift, tens of thousands of people living with diabetes across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are turning to an unlikely source for support: Facebook.
What they’re finding isn’t just a group—it’s Dana, an AI-powered diabetes wellness assistant available via Messenger and WhatsApp, designed to provide practical, non-medical guidance on everyday challenges like food, routines, and emotional struggles.
And according to Dr. Shimon Zilbershlag, CEO of CureChat and the creator of Dana, this is just the beginning.
“We’re not replacing doctors,” said Dr. Zilbershlag. “Dana is a wellness companion—a safe space where people can ask questions they’re often too embarrassed or overwhelmed to ask in clinic visits. We provide support between appointments, not instead of them.”
🌍 Two Global Communities, Thousands of Weekly Conversations
CureChat has quietly built two powerful Facebook-based communities that act as Dana’s entry points:
• Diabetes Food Club (English)
With over 20,000 followers, this community offers daily posts on blood sugar–friendly meals, smart food swaps, and simple lifestyle tips. The page also includes a “Message Dana” button that connects users directly to the AI assistant inside Messenger.
• Club de Diabetes (Spanish)
Serving over 5,000 Spanish-speaking followers in Latin America, this page offers culturally tailored wellness advice and direct access to Dana in Spanish.
Across both pages, thousands of people chat with Dana each week, asking about everything from snacks to exercise to emotions.
“People might ask, ‘Can I eat mango?’ or ‘Why do I feel tired every afternoon?’” explained Dr. Zilbershlag. “Dana gives an answer right away—educational, not medical. Just clear, empathetic support rooted in global wellness guidance.”
💬 What People Are Asking Dana
Dana doesn’t diagnose or prescribe. Instead, the chatbot answers practical lifestyle questions like:
“What’s a good breakfast to avoid sugar spikes?”
“Is it okay to fast during Ramadan with diabetes?”
“What can I eat that’s sweet but won’t raise my sugar?”
“Why do I feel so tired all the time?”
The assistant offers ADA-aligned wellness information, emotional support, and encourages users to follow up with a healthcare professional if needed.
“We include disclaimers throughout,” added Dr. Zilbershlag. “Dana reminds people: ‘I’m here to support your wellness journey, but I’m not a doctor. Always talk to a healthcare provider for medical decisions.’”
📲 Why Facebook?
In emerging markets—where mobile access often outpaces access to clinical care—Facebook remains one of the most widely used digital tools.
By embedding Dana inside Messenger and sharing tips through engaging posts and videos, CureChat has tapped into the daily rhythm of people’s lives—offering wellness support that’s instant, private, and non-intimidating.
“We didn’t ask people to download an app or enter their insurance details,” said Dr. Zilbershlag. “We simply said: ‘Message us if you have questions about diabetes.’ And they did. By the thousands.”
🚀 What’s Next
With over 25,000 followers and thousands of active users each week, CureChat now plans to scale Dana to 1 million community members over the next few months, focusing entirely on emerging markets.
“We’re not building a chatbot,” said Dr. Zilbershlag. “We’re building a wellness ecosystem for people who’ve been left behind by traditional systems.”
💡 Try Dana or Join the Movement
Anyone can start a conversation with Dana right now:
“Dana isn’t a doctor. She’s something people have never had before: a friendly, trusted diabetes companion in their pocket—ready to help, anytime they need her.”