A picture-based carbohydrate-counting resource for Somalis

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Diabetes Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Effective management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires accurate carbohydrate counting.
• A lack of Somali diet-specific carbohydrate-counting resources presents a barrier for this population.
• Tailored educational materials are crucial for individuals with diabetes from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a visually-based carbohydrate-counting resource for traditional Somali foods.
• To address the specific needs of Somali individuals with type 1 diabetes.
• To improve accessibility and understanding of carbohydrate counting for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Selection of traditional Somali foods through various methods.
• Tabulation of serving sizes and carbohydrate content using USDA databases.
• Calculation of carbohydrates for home-prepared dishes using recipe analysis and ingredient data.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive PDF resource featuring photographs of prepared Somali foods was created.
• The resource is primarily picture-based to accommodate varying literacy levels.
• The resource is freely accessible online with annual updates.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for culturally relevant and accessible educational tools for diabetes management.
• The developed picture-based resource provides a practical solution for carbohydrate counting among Somalis with T1D.
• This initiative aims to empower individuals worldwide with the knowledge to better manage their diabetes through culturally appropriate nutrition education.