If you have type 2 diabetes, you have to worry about chronically high blood glucose levels, as high blood glucose levels can result in kidney damage, poor circulation, loss of vision and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Diet plans, such as the glycemic diet, are aimed at helping you keep your blood glucose levels under control.
Identification
The glycemic index of a food is a way of classifying its effects on your blood glucose levels. To determine a food's glycemic index, a volunteer eats the food and then has his blood glucose levels measured over time. The change in blood glucose is compared to a "reference" food, like white bread or glucose. The higher the volunteer's increase in blood glucose levels, the higher the glycemic index of the food.
Carbohydrates
Many different factors impact a food's glycemic index. Primarily, the quantity and quality of carbohydrates is what affects a food's glycemic index. Quantity refers to the amount of carbohydrates found in a food. Quality refers to the type of carbohydrates found in the food. Foods that are rich in simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, typically have a higher glycemic index. On the other hand, carbohydrates that break down more slowly, such as whole grains, generally have a lower glycemic index.
Other Factors
A number of other things also impact a food's glycemic index. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, have a lower glycemic index number, because fiber slows the rate at which carbohydrates are digested. Similarly, the presence of acid or fat also lowers a food's glycemic index, because these things also slow digestion. The way in which a food is prepared can also change its glycemic index; grinding, cooking or otherwise processing a food item increases its glycemic index.
Prevention/Solution
Eating foods with a lower glycemic index can help people keep their blood glucose levels lower. People who eat a diet of foods lower on the glycemic index are less likely to develop diabetes, whereas a diet with large amounts of foods high on the glycemic index increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For people who already have type 2 diabetes, reducing the glycemic index of your diet can lower your blood glucose levels, making your diabetes easier to control.
Limitations
Although the glycemic diet can help prevent or treat diabetes, it does have some limitations. First, the glycemic index does not factor in the total calories, grams of fat or mg of cholesterol in its foods; a diet that is high in calories, fats and cholesterol can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Second, the glycemic index of foods is calculated based on its effects when eaten alone, but eating combinations of food can impact the overall effects on blood glucose levels of each individual food item.
