Glycemic load

Definition

Glycemic load (GL) measures the impact of carbohydrate consumption on blood sugar levels, taking into account both the quality (glycemic index) and quantity of carbohydrates. It provides a more comprehensive assessment compared to glycemic index alone.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glycemic load is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index of a food by the amount of carbohydrates in a serving and then dividing by 100.
2. A glycemic load of 10 or less is considered low, while a GL of 20 or more is high.
3. GL helps predict blood sugar spikes more accurately than glycemic index because it considers portion size.
4. Foods with a high glycemic load can lead to rapid increases in blood glucose levels, which may be harmful for individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes.
5. Understanding GL is crucial for creating balanced diets that maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially in medical nutrition therapy.

Review Questions

• How does glycemic load differ from glycemic index?
• What is considered a low vs. high glycemic load value?
• Why might glycemic load be more useful than just considering the glycemic index?

Related terms

Glycemic Index:

A ranking system for carbohydrates based on their immediate effect on blood glucose levels.

Carbohydrate Counting:

A method used to manage carbohydrate intake by counting grams of carbohydrates consumed at each meal.

Insulin Resistance:

A condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.