Glycemic Index

Selecting foods with a low glycemic index may help to manage diabetes. Increasing the number of low glycemic index foods such as legumes, barley, pasta and whole grains in your meal plan may have real benefit in controlling blood glucose levels. In general, fiber-rich foods are low glycemic foods and have less effect on blood sugars. Sucrose or table sugar also has a lower effect on blood sugars than some starches, such as potatoes. Below are lists of "high" and "low" glycemic index foods.

Benefits of the Glycemic Index?

Eating a lot of high glycemic index foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. This is especially true if you are overweight and sedentary. Switching to eating mainly low glycemic index carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals.

• Low GI diets help people lose and control weight

• Low GI diets increase the body's sensitivity to insulin

• Low GI carbs improve diabetes control

• Low GI carbs reduce the risk of heart disease

• Low GI carbs reduce blood cholesterol levels

• Low GI carbs can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS

• Low GI carbs reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer

• Low GI carbs prolong physical endurance

• High GI carbs help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise