Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Using a plate format for people with diabetes

Introduction

A plate format is a simple way to plan a balanced diet. It helps people with diabetes see how much space each food should take on a plate. Anyone can use the plate format to maintain a healthy diet and to decrease the chances of having heart disease and other conditions.

Key points

  • Using a plate format will help you spread carbohydrate throughout the day, which will help keep your blood sugar level within your target range.
  • A plate format is an easy and simple way to plan meals until you have more time to learn about other meal planning methods for diabetes.
  • It can be used along with other meal-planning methods, such as carbohydrate counting or the food guide for diabetes.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is a plate format?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why would I use a plate format?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How to use a plate format
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

More information about diabetes can be found in these topics:

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Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MSLast Updated: February 10, 2008
Medical Review: Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator

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