When you have diabetes, your body is unable to effectively transport glucose from your bloodstream into your cells via the hormone insulin. This may be due to a disruption in insulin secretion or insulin function. Diabetes is characterized by chronic states of hyperglycemia, and, if left untreated, this can result in further complications.
Goals of a Diabetic Diet
According to Dr. Thomas Andreoli, editor of the "CECIL Essentials of Medicine," the approach to an effective dietary program to treat diabetes should be three-pronged. In the short-term, there should be immediate treatment of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic symptoms. A return to a normal and functioning life is the second goal. Preventing diabetic-related complications in the long term is the third goal.
The Glycemic Index Diet
The glycemic index diet makes it easy for you to make changes to your diet. This diet emphasizes foods that aid in blood glucose control. Different foods have different effects on your blood glucose. Some foods can cause an immediate spike, then a harsh drop in glucose, while other foods can cause a steady and prolonged rise in glucose. The latter makes it easier for your body to release enough insulin to deal with the increase in sugar. It also keeps states of hyperglycemia as well as hypoglycemia at bay.
Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
Food choices are simple on the glycemic index diet. Foods receive a rating based on the percentage they increase blood glucose. The scale ranges from 0 to 100. The lower the score, the more slowly the food releases glucose into the bloodstream. The glycemic load tells you the amount of carbohydrates in a serving of a particular food. This scale starts at 0, and foods that rate less than 10 are considered low. Foods ranging from 11 to 19 carry a medium load, and those greater than 20 are high.
Checking both the glycemic index and glycemic load of a food makes for a thorough evaluation of the effect a carb-containing food can have on your blood glucose. A fruit like watermelon, for example, is high on the glycemic index, but low in glycemic load, which means the suggested 1-cup serving won't make your blood sugar spike. Choosing foods with low glycemic index and low glycemic load and staying within the recommended serving sizes will offer you better blood glucose control.
Other Considerations
The way a food is prepared as well as other foods eaten can also influence its glycemic effect. For instance, a simple carbohydrate and starchy food like a white potato ranks high on the glycemic index, with a moderate glycemic load. However, if you pair that potato with some low-fat cheese and broccoli, the fat and protein in the cheese and the fiber in the broccoli will slow the digestion and absorption of the starches in the potato. This may sound complex, but the more you eat according to the glycemic index and glycemic load diet, the easier it becomes.
References
- "Cecil Essentials of Medicine"; Thomas Andreoli, Charles Carpenter, Robert Griggs, Joseph Loscalzo, eds.; 2004
- Mendosa.com; The Glycemic Index; David Mendosa; August 22, 2002
- Mendosa.com; Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load; David Mendosa; December 16, 2008
