DOTS: a new tool for teaching the diabetic food exchange system
Gillis, B.; Shannon, B.; Smiciklas-Wright, H.; Kris-Etherton, P.M.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 86(5): 661-663
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 3700929 Document Number: 272183
Because adherence to diabetic exchange diets is generally poor, a coding system was developed to improve the quality of patient education. Consisting of colored dots for food items, symbols for sodium, and instructions for meal planning, this educational tool was tested on subjects 18 to 63 years old. Three instruments were used to evaluate the DOTS program: a "sample meals" form, a knowledge test, and a demographic questionnaire. The results led to the conclusion that this tool may not be suitable for the elderly and the less educated. Further investigations are needed for assessment of weight loss effectiveness and dietary adherence in a larger population.(jd-b)