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  • With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist

    Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.

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Question

Glycemic index diet: A helpful tool for diabetes?

Is the glycemic index diet useful for people with diabetes?

Answer

from Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.

Some people with diabetes use the glycemic index (GI) as a guide in selecting foods — especially carbohydrates — for meal planning. The glycemic index classifies carbohydrate-containing foods according to their potential to raise your blood sugar level. Foods with a high glycemic index value tend to raise your blood sugar faster and higher than do foods with a lower value.

The glycemic index diet has potential benefits but may be problematic as well.

Possible benefits Potential problems
  • Lowers blood sugar level
  • Includes single food items rather than combinations of foods, which can impact blood sugar differently
  • Helps regulate blood sugar level throughout the day, which may reduce the risk of insulin resistance
  • Doesn't consider all variables that affect blood sugar, such as how food is prepared or how much is eaten
  • Reduces the need for diabetes medication
  • Only includes foods that contain carbohydrates
  • Controls appetite and delays hunger cues, which may help with weight management
  • Doesn't rank foods based on nutrient content — foods with a low GI ranking may be high in calories, sugar or saturated fat

It can be difficult to follow a glycemic index diet on your own. For one thing, most foods aren't ranked by glycemic index. Packaged foods don't generally list their GI ranking on the label, and it can be hard to estimate what it might be. Still, basic principles of the glycemic index diet may help you better manage and control your blood sugar:

  • Choose high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
  • Choose fresh or raw foods over canned or processed foods.

If you have diabetes, the glycemic index diet is just one tool to consider when determining your diabetes diet. If you're interested in learning more, talk to a registered dietitian. He or she can help you make changes in your diet.

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References
  1. Riccardi G, et al. Role of glycemic index and glycemic load in state, in the healthy state, in prediabetes, and in diabetes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;87(suppl):269S.
  2. Glycemic index and diabetes. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
  3. Thomas D, et al. Low glycaemic index, or low glycaemic load, diets for diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD006296.
  4. Whitney E, et al. Understanding Nutrition. 11th ed. Belmont, Calif.: Thomson Higher Education; 2008.
AN00754 March 11, 2010

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