Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Education

RELEASE DATE: Mar. 24, 2004

Florida Initiative in Telehealth and Education

The FITE diabetes education site, “Brainfood” about Type 1 diabetes is being used as part of a study sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes at the University of Florida and at the Medical College of Georgia are eligible to participate in this study, which just started in fall, 2003.

All newly diagnosed children and their families meet with a diabetes educator to learn about their new diagnosis, blood glucose testing, insulin injections, and other information they need for the first day or two after diagnosis. Then, those who choose to participate are randomly assigned to receive their next three sessions either in person or online at the Brainfood site.

Families utilizing the online education have been thrilled with the ability to learn more about diabetes at their own pace, at a time which is convenient for them. Many appreciate the opportunity to use the site at night after children are in bed and they can concentrate.
The narrated cartoons help children learn about diabetes. They also keep older kids, teens, and adults interested in the units. All sections are written at both the 4th grade and 9th grade level, to appeal to lay readers and also to professionals or those wanting more detailed information.
For more information on the ADA Computer-Assisted Training study, call Julie Burlingame, MS RN, FITE Program Director, at (352) 334-1358.