PALM-TOP DIETARY MANAGER FOR CHILDREN WITH DIABETES

We are seeking SBIR Phase II support in order to produce and test the effectiveness of a technically refined, and commercially viable dietary self-management software suite for youngsters with Type I diabetes, a prevalent chronic disorder of childhood. The software suite called "Meals and Things" (MAT) consists of two modules: (a) a meal planning and recording software module that operates on a hand-held device; and (b) a supporting customizable management module that operates on a desktop PC (or commercial server). The final products will incorporate findings from a recent market test of the Phase I prototype. MAT seeks to help youths to adhere to their meal plans in order to facilitate better regulation of blood glucose and improve long-term medical outcomes. The final product will be examined with respect to: (a) its effectiveness to improve dietary self-management; (b) its impact on blood glucose regulation (HbA1 levels); and (c) user's satisfaction. MAT will be tested in randomized trials with 50 recently diagnosed 8-13 year old children, using a pre-post-test design. The software suite will be targeted to youths with IDDM, parents, diabetes educators, and health care professionals.