Diabetes website review: www.2aida.org.

ABSTRACT

Previous Diabetes Information Technology & WebWatch columns have addressed the use of diabetes simulators, and, in particular, aspects of the AIDA software. AIDA is a freeware computer program, which simulates the interaction of carbohydrates and insulin administered in people with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus. The program is intended to be used as an educational support tool, and is available via the Internet without charge from www.2aida.org. In this article, the AIDA Website is described and reviewed in terms of both content and functionality. This popular non-commercial Internet site provides free access to a downloadable PC version of AIDA, as well as access to a Web-based version of the simulator that can be run online (accessible directly at www.2aida.net). User feedback suggests that the Website and the AIDA software have been of significant interest and value to many patients, their relatives and carers, students, and a variety of health-care professionals and researchers. The interactive and dynamic nature of the simulations adds a real-life dimension to the Web-based educational material, and the software is complemented by a substantial amount of supporting information at the Website. The on-going collection of subjective feedback continues to provide anecdotal evidence of the utility of the software, and this will hopefully be corroborated by results from more formal and objective evaluations. The future potential of diabetes simulators, in both education and research, is becoming increasingly apparent, and the AIDA Website is evolving accordingly.