Theory is the cart, vision is the horse: reflections on research in diabetes patient education.
In this paper, we examine the nature of vision and the role it plays in helping educators identify and use theories productively. We also discuss the role of theory in diabetes education and provide criteria for selecting appropriate theories.



The vision of diabetes education developed at the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center was used to illustrate how our vision has influenced our use of educational and behavioral theories.



Both our vision and our theoretical assumptions should be articulated, discussed, debated, and studied.



Diabetes patient education research can systematically contribute to the development of a sound, coherent, and progressive body of knowledge that will truly serve diabetes patient education.
Anderson
R M
RM
The Department of Medical Educa­tion, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Dr Anderson)|The Michigan Dia­betes Research and Training Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Dr Anderson and Ms Funnell)
Funnell
M M
MM
The Michigan Dia­betes Research and Training Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Dr Anderson and Ms Funnell)
D001525:Behavioral Sciences; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D017145:Models, Educational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011588:Psychology, Educational; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*