Glycemic Index | Type 2 Diabetes Care Guide

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The Glycemic Index is a measurement of how quickly carbohydrate in particular foods turns to glucose.

Lower Glycemic Index Carbohydrates are foods that are more slowly digested and absorbed. Eating these foods in place of foods that are quickly digested may help improve blood sugar level. Examples of low GI foods are:

Soybeans
Lentils and dried beans
Milk and yogurt
Certain fresh fruit such as peaches, apples, grapefruit and pears
Nuts and seeds
Bran cereals and oatmeal
Vegetables

Higher Glycemic Index Carbohydrates are foods that raise blood sugar levels more rapidly. Examples are:

White potatoes
White bread and bagels
Short grain rice
Watermelon, ripe bananas and pineapple

Studies of the effect of using the glycemic index to help control type 2 diabetes have been inconsistent. Some have shown that low glycemic index foods reduce blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c levels. Others have found that the glycemic index of a meal does not predict the blood sugar response. More research will clarify whether or not the glycemic index is a useful tool.

Currently, the American Diabetes Association recommends focusing on total carbohydrate instead of the glycemic index of specific foods or an entire meal. With that said, lower glycemic index foods are often healthier choices because they are made from whole grains and are high in fiber.

Review Date: 5/1/2006

Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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