Diabetes management truly requires holistic approach in terms of Healthy eating pattern, physical activity along with pharmacotherapy.

Here, we will touch upon the most crucial element affecting blood sugars – Glycemic Index (GI) & Glycemic Load (GL) of foods.

GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI)
In simple words, GI of food item measures the effect of carbohydrate on blood sugars. Higher the GI of food item more rapidly sugars are absorbed and higher is the postprandial response. Let’s look at the chart below –

GLYCEMIC LOAD (GL)

In simple words, GL of food item measures the QUALITY & AMOUNT of carbohydrate which has effect on blood sugars. Higher the GL of food item more rapidly sugars are absorbed and higher is the postprandial response.

Let’s look at the chart below –

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Below table presents food items with their GI & GL :

For better management of Diabetes and to improve quality of life choose foods which are low in GI and low in GL. This will not only enable better blood sugar control but prevents micro and macro health complications and delays ageing process.

REFERENCES:
• NIN RDA 2010
• ADA 2008 & 2011
• HANDBOOK OF DIABETES , V SESHIAH, 2009
• KRAUSE ‘S FOOD & NUTRITION THERAPY 2008
• DIETETICS FOURTH EDITION , B. SRILAKSHMI
• NIN, DIET & DIABETES, EDITED 1993 REPRINTED 2008
• THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION JULY 2002
• DIABETES WITH DELIGHT: A JOYFUL GUIDE TO MANAGING DIABETES IN INDIA, DR. ANOOP MISRA