The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly glucose from food is absorbed and raises blood sugar levels.1-4 Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and absorbed causing a rapid rise in blood sugar. In contrast, foods with a low GI are digested more slowly resulting in a slower rise in blood sugar levels.1-4
Equally important as the glycemic index is the glycemic load (GL) which is a measure of both the amount of carbohydrate in a specific food and the amount each gram consumed will raise blood sugar levels.1-4
Choosing foods or nutritional supplements with a low glycemic index and low glycemic load will go a long way towards better control of diabetes.