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A Healthy Way to Fight Diabetes Through the Idaho Plate Method
(African American Group Success Story)

Problem:
Most individuals seek their own understanding about eating healthy to either prevent diabetes or maintain their diabetes. They are under the delusion that what they eat is the factor. However, research shows that the amount of the food consumed is more important than the type of food. American people eat too much. The plate that is usually in the American diet is the meat that covers half the plate, starches are the next largest item on the plate while vegetables, fruits, and dairy take last place on the typical American plate. In some cases some or all of these food groups are absent from the daily diet completely.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension Family Field Specialist in collaboration with local area Health Partners answered the cry for help from Polk County through conducting diabetes education classes and giving free glucose screenings. The diabetes class is a four week program designed to visually teach participants how they can benefit changing their old behaviors on the amount of foods eaten. The curriculum is used to teach the healthy diabetic concept The Idaho Plate Method. This method was originally developed by Swedish nutritionist and was adopted by dieticians in Idaho to help individuals manage their diabetes. They researched and piloted the concept in Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado. The Idaho Plate Method visualizes the nine inch plate including all of the food groups. One-half of the nine inch plate should contain vegetables, one-fourth of the plate should contain a bread, starch or grain, and one-fourth of the plate should contain a meat or high protein food. For Polk County, this method was visually demonstrated by the Family Field Specialist in planning breakfast, lunch and/or dinner meals modeling the nine inch plate and using the food models. The participants learned the following:

  • Recognizing the signs and symptoms of diabetes
  • Planning meals using the Idaho Plate Method
  • Selecting foods in the supermarket using the Idaho Plate Method
  • Maintaining healthy eating habits when dining outside the home

Impact:
An evaluation was conducted at Corinthian Gardens Senior Center by the Family Field Specialist. The diabetes class began date began October 18, through November 16, 2006. Six African American participants completed the four week diabetes class. The results revealed that the participants changed their behaviors after attending the class. The remainder of the participants practiced these skills before attending the class.

  • Five out of six participants check the nutrition fact label for 100 percent juice
  • Four out of six participants eat at least one fruit at breakfast lunch and dinner
  • Four out of six participants check how much fiber is contained in cereals and breads
  • Four out of six participants choose salad with low fat/free salad dressing
  • Four out of six participants select main dish with more vegetables
  • Four out of six participants choose baked or roasted meats not fried
  • Four out of six participants exchange fruit for dessert

Contact:
Myra Royal, Field Specialist/Families
Polk County Extension
5201 NE 14th Street Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone 515-261-4212; Fax 515-263-2704
Email mroyal@iastate.edu

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Last update: February 27, 2007 
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