How do dairy foods fit in?
Dairy foods like milk and yogurt have a low glycaemic index (GI), so are ideal for people with diabetes. The GI is a rating of foods according to their effect on blood sugar levels. High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, while low GI foods (the better choice!) result in a slower and sustained blood sugar change. Why are low GI foods good for people with diabetes? Diabetes is a condition characterised by excess sugar (or glucose) in the blood. The hormone insulin (which is made by the pancreas) transfers glucose from the blood into the cells of the body, where it is used as fuel (or energy). For people with diabetes, the body produces either no insulin, or the insulin doesn’t work as it should. Low GI foods help prevent large ups and downs of blood sugar levels. An added bonus is that low GI foods can delay hunger and help with weight loss in overweight people. Reduced- and low-fat varieties of milk and yogurt are great low GI choices. Other healthy, low GI foods includ
