Glycaemic Index (GI)

Published: 11th Apr, 2024

Context

The findings of an international study suggest that consuming low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load diets might prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. They also found a strong association between glycaemic index (GI) and the risk of type 2 diabetes among individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI).

What is the glycaemic index (GI)?

GI ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on the blood glucose response, post-prandial or after a meal. The higher the blood sugar reading, the higher will be the GI.
Glycaemic load (GL), on the other hand, is both the quality and quantity of carbohydrate in a specific food, and is the product of the GI and the amount of carbohydrate available in a serving.
- High GI foods: sugar and sugary foods, sugary soft drinks, white bread, potatoes, white rice
- Low and medium GI foods: some fruit and vegetables, pulses, wholegrain foods, such as porridge oats

Fact Box: Diabetes

Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin, it produces.
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets;
It is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body.
Type 2 diabetes is age-related; it often develops at the age of 45 and beyond.
Type 1 diabetes is largely genetic in nature, while Type 2 depends on the lifestyle of the individual.

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

Glycaemic Index (GI)

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CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

Glycaemic Index (GI)

Still Have Questions?

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