Paper Planning Tool Proven To Improve Management Of Type 1 Diabetes In Children

Harvard Medical School Affiliate, Joslin Diabetes Center, Presents Findings at American Diabetes Association’s 67th Scientific Sessions

A study by the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston has found that the AT-A-GLANCE® Balance & Stretch® Day Planner is an effective tool in improving the management of type 1 diabetes in children. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) highlighted the results of the study at its 67th Scientific Session in Chicago.

The AT-A-GLANCE Balance & Stretch Day Planner was developed as a collaborative effort to provide a new educational and monitoring tool for children with diabetes, enabling them to focus on daily health and life tasks and better manage the challenges of life with a chronic health problem. To test the effectiveness of this tool, the day planners were implemented into the curriculum at the Elliott P. Joslin Camp for Children with Diabetes.

The unique format of this planning system helps those with diabetes set weekly health and life goals and track eating habits, exercise, sleep, blood sugar levels, insulin and medications, healthcare appointments and other information on a daily basis within a 2-page per day daily format. The planners were accompanied by a 30-page Success Guide full of diabetes resources, references and an educational framework developed by The Balance & Stretch Center.

After introducing the framework and the planners to children at the camps, monitoring their use during the two-week camp period and conducting a follow up three months later, the study found those who used the planner showed:

* Improvements in diabetes self-efficacy and knowledge
* Higher diabetes quality of life scores
* Fewer negative feelings about blood glucose management
* Positive trend toward more optimal glycemic control

The day planner was co-developed by MeadWestvaco (manufacturer of AT-A-GLANCE brand products) and The Balance & Stretch Center, with input from both the Joslin Diabetes Center and The Barton Center for Diabetes Education on the content to be included for effective diabetes management. This collaboration created a functional format that allowed for comprehensive yet simple tracking of pertinent data. The result is a planner that represents a promising approach to improving the management of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.

“As the makers of AT-A-GLANCE brand products, one of the most well-known and trusted names in planning, it was a natural fit for MeadWestvaco to get involved in this important project,” says Valerie Nossal, Business Development Manager, MeadWestvaco Consumer & Office Products. “We are very excited that the research has proven that this tool can play a beneficial role in the management of type 1 diabetes.”

In addition to the planners donated to the study, MeadWestvaco and The Balance & Stretch Center distributed 15,000 copies of the accompanying Success Guide to 49 Diabetes and Education Camping Association (DECA) member camps across the U.S.

The AT-A-GLANCE Balance & Stretch Day Planners are available as a set including – 12 monthly wire-bound planners, 30-page Success Guide, clear protective cover to keep current month’s planner and information booklet together and portable, and a handy storage box with 12 monthly index tabs. For more information, or to purchase the product, visit www.ataglance.com/diabetes or call 1-877-233-0960. MeadWestvaco donates a portion of the sales proceeds from all planners to the Balance & Stretch Center to help fund further diabetes health and life education.

About The Balance & Stretch Center
The Balance & Stretch Center is a non-profit group organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The Center has a 3-part mission:

* To promote positive choices, particularly for those with or trying to prevent chronic health challenges like diabetes.
* To advocate balance as a key to a healthy and full life.
* To encourage people to stretch for themselves and for others to reach their full potential.

The Center primarily supports non-profit organizations that are dedicated to its mission, including associations, foundations, hospitals, clinics, camps, councils, civic organizations, private community centers as well as federal, state and local public health organizations, domestically and internationally. If you are interested in learning more, contact The Center at www.balanceandstretch.org. The Center also supports individuals including those with and without diabetes who support its mission and believe it can help them and The Center works with commercial organizations that provide products and services or will develop new products and services to support and fund its mission.