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Telediabetes is a form of telemedicine used to provide education and clinical care to persons living with diabetes. Web-based delivery modes using cellular telephones and/or computers are of particular interest as they are becoming increasingly available. A review of current research on the practice of web-based telediabetes to adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted to determine the potential impact of this delivery mode on professional dietetics practice. Nine articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified, critiqued, and summarized. Studies varied greatly in breadth and scope; consequently, few general conclusions could be drawn about telediabetes programs. Telediabetes programs were discussed in the context of soundness, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and practical characteristics. Trends indicated a promising future for telediabetes. Dietitians should view telemedicine as a viable tool for service delivery and increase their knowledge, competency, advocacy, and research efforts in this area.

Purpose: An n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplement was incorporated into three food products previously determined to be preferred by cancer patients, and overall acceptability of these foods was evaluated. Methods: Preliminary testing was performed; an internal panel determined initial acceptability of foods with the supplement added. Taste panel evaluations were held at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta. Each participant completed a questionnaire rating aroma, flavour, and overall acceptance on a seven-point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely, 7 = like extremely), as well as ability to consume each food daily. Results: Foods were well-liked by patients and non-patients. Mean ± standard deviation acceptance scores for the three foods were pasta sauce 5.9 ± 0.94 (n = 90), oatmeal 6.1 ± 0.88 (n = 79), and smoothie 5.9 ± 1.12 (n = 126). Overall, 94% of patients and non-patients gave tomato pasta sauce, oatmeal, and the smoothie an acceptance score of at least 5. Conclusions: The supplement was incorporated successfully into three foods, which were highly accepted by patients with cancer. Further research should focus on incorporating the supplement into flavoured or sweet foods, as these appear most effective. Microencapsulated fish oil in food products may be used as an alternative to fish oil capsules for delivering n-3 PUFA in clinical trials.

Purpose: The relationship between body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) was investigated in two boys and two men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (ages 11 to 22.4 years) and two boys with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) (ages 7.75 and 13.75 years). Methods: The REE was assessed by indirect calorimetry; body composition indices (weight, height, skinfolds, and mid-arm circumference) were measured using standardized techniques and compared with healthy reference data. Results: Those with DMD had reduced corrected mid-upperarm muscle area (C-MUMA) in comparison with healthy peers, and approximately twice the subcutaneous fat levels of subjects with BMD and healthy peers. Boys with BMD had remarkably lower muscle status than did boys with DMD and healthy peers. In both groups, REE was lower than in healthy peers; REE was associated with body weight (r=0.85), height (r=0.92), mid-upper arm fat area (MUFA) (r=0.97), and C-MUMA (r=0.65). Conclusions: Individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD) exhibit considerable disease-specific alterations in body composition. The REE had a stronger relationship with growth (weight and height) and subcutaneous body fat composition and a weaker association with C-MUMA. Understanding the effect of MD on body composition and REE will allow dietitians to individualize energy recommendations.

Purpose: A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and an attitude/behaviour questionnaire (ABQ) were developed, and their validity and reliability were tested to determine adolescents’ vegetable and fruit (VF) intakes and factors influencing their food choices. Methods: High school students living in the lower mainland of British Columbia participated. The FFQ was adapted from the National Cancer Institute VF By-Meal screener, which was designed to be used with adults. After several focus groups with adolescents, the FFQ was revised to make it more user-friendly. The ABQ was developed after a literature review of factors influencing youth VF intake, and was based on the constructs within the Health Belief Model. Results: The FFQ was validated against a written 24-hour dietary record (correlation coefficient = 0.52). The test-retest reliability coefficient for the FFQ was 0.46. A panel of experts tested the ABQ construct validity, and changes were made as a result of the recommendations. Internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability of the ABQ were 0.71 and 0.59, respectively. Both questionnaires were tested for face validity with students and revised accordingly. Conclusions: Further validation of these two questionnaires against other standardized tools is required. Future studies with adolescents using these tools can guide program and resource development.