Center for Innovation in Diabetes Education

The Center for Innovation in Diabetes Education (CIDE) at Joslin was established in 2003 to develop cutting-edge educational programs, materials and methods for successful, long-term diabetes management and self-care. The CIDE also focuses on research and evaluation of new educational approaches, as well as providing these programs to educators and other Joslin staff.

Education is a cornerstone of diabetes treatment, helping those with diabetes live better while controlling their disease. The CIDE team works closely with Joslin Clinic as well as the Behavioral and Mental Health Research Section to improve diabetes education. These programs and educational strategies involve innovative ways to deliver information and reinforce self-care behaviors and behavior changes. They are based on principles of adult learning, education, behavioral medicine and psychology. The programs allow individuals with diabetes and their families to work together with physicians and educators to achieve diabetes goals.

For decades, Joslin has set the standard in diabetes care, research and education. The Center for Innovation in Diabetes Education applies the same standard to the development of high-quality, innovative educational materials. Some examples of our ongoing research are:

Women with diabetes have special healthcare needs, such as planning for a healthy pregnancy. An unplanned pregnancy in women with diabetes may result in serious birth defects or miscarriage if glucose levels are high at conception. Major organs, including the heart and neural tube, are formed in the first two months of pregnancy, when many women may not know they are pregnant. During their development, these organs are very susceptible to malformations caused by high blood glucose levels. We are piloting 90-minute classes to communicate the importance of maintaining glucose control during childbearing years. Eventually, we hope to distribute the program to primary care providers across the country.

Another project involves evaluation of educational tools to help pre-teens recognize symptoms of low blood pressure early enough to prevent it. We have enrolled 40 pre-teens from over 25 states in a study assessing a workbook and accompanying “choose your own story” book. We will check blood glucose levels (using A1C) at baseline and two months after reading the stories to determine clinical effects of the education. If successful, we plan to adapt these stories to a computerized version.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease. To address this problem we are developing a series of classes, the Heart Healthy Living series, for this population. For example, the first class, "Cholesterol: the Good, the Bad, and the Healthy," discusses risk factors for heart disease and how to reduce risk through heart-healthy eating, increased activity and medication.  Evaluation of this class was recently completed and it is now available in the Clinic.

We are halfway through a five-year study to determine if behavioral techniques can be used in a group setting to improve self-care behaviors and glycemic control. People with diabetes whose A1C is 7.6 or greater have been randomized to receive one of the following:

• An individual educator and unlimited access to a nurse and dietitian for six months.
• A group diabetes education program with behavioral techniques.
• Standard group diabetes education.

Click here if you are interested in participating in this study.

One major barrier to achieving glucose control for people on the insulin pump is lack of knowledge about carbohydrates. People using an insulin pump must set their insulin dose at each meal based on the amount of carbohydrates they eat. If they are unaware of how many grams of carbs are in a meal, they will have difficulty calculating the proper insulin dose, which may result in high blood glucose. We are investigating specific obstacles for pump users, such as their knowledge of carbohydrates and pump use. Based on these results we plan to develop new educational approaches to help pump users learn more about carbs. We will reinforce these approaches with engaging computer-based programs, such as a user-friendly food database with a carb gram calculator.

The Center for Innovation in Diabetes Education holds a monthly forum, in which educators, physicians, psychologists and other staff present seminars on new research and approaches for successful diabetes management. Discussion allows educators to understand how to incorporate innovative concepts into their clinical practice. Topics include:

Katie Weinger, Ed.D., R.N., Director
Patti Osborne, M.A., Project Manager
Howard Wolpert, M.D., Medical Consultant
Om Ganda, M.D., Medical Consultant
Cathy Carver, M.S., APRN-BC, C.D.E., Vice President, Clinical Services

For more information, please contact Patti Osborne at 671-732-2400, ext. 4449.