Diabetes

As I have mentioned in other articles on this website, the Glycemic Index has been around now for some considerable time, originally conceived at the University of Toronto back in 1981, it was developed as an aid in explaining the effect that different carbohydrates have on blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Index is a very important tool for anybody who has to keep an eye on their glucose levels, whether it is hyperglycaemia or suspected diabetes.  Due mostly to our modern diet, diabetes is now a major problem in the western world, and indeed, the Glycemic Index could be seen as the modern antidote to a modern disease.

 Every year more and more individuals are diagnosed with diabetes, not only can it be life threatening, if not addressed  it can also cause many nasty side-effects and complications. It would be a great benefit for those individuals affected by this condition if they would familiarise themselves with the Glycemic Index, this will enable them to proactively fight this disease, simply by learning, which foods they should avoid.

Carbohydrates are very diverse, and they all break down differently in the system.  Diabetics will struggle to break down certain food types, typically if they are high in carbohydrates the digestive process will be slower, as a result starches and sugars are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, this will cause excessive blood glucose levels.  Diabetics will be advised to cut down on their carbohydrate intake; this is of course easier said than done, and it will be very difficult for most diabetics to exclude carbohydrates from their diets. For this reason, amongst others, an awful lot of diabetics tend to be non-compliant, basically when first diagnosed with diabetes the symptoms are generally not that bad, as a result many people won't even bother taking their medicine and will continue to eat what they like.

The Glycaemic Index is a useful tool for diabetics, it simply rates carbohydrates based on their individual effect on blood glucose. Foods that contain carbohydrates that digest faster won't have such a negative effect on the system.  Foods that contain carbohydrates that digest slower will have a higher rating as they will have a negative effect on blood sugar levels.

A good understanding of the Glycaemic Index, and all of its implications would be very advantageous for any individuals suffering from diabetes or may have been told they're borderline diabetic. To have the ability to comprehend different food types, their carbohydrate levels, and the Glycaemic Index ratings would be a very valuable tool for anybody diagnosed with this potentially life threatening disease.

If you're a diabetic, been told you may be borderline diabetic, or have a family member or close friend who suffers from diabetes, do try to become more aware of the Glycaemic Index.  You will know what foods you should eat, and the ones that should be avoided. At the moment there is no permanent cure diabetes, there are however many ways (the Glycaemic Index included) that people who suffer from this disease can limit its effects, and live long, happy lives.