What is the difference between glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL)?
The GI describes the type of carbohydrate in foods and its potential to raise blood glucose levels. Our actual blood glucose levels are determined by both the quality, or GI, of the carbohydrate and the quantity of carbohydrate. We can predict the effect of a food on our blood glucose level by calculating the glycemic load which is the GI x the amount of carbohydrate, divided by 100. Teaspoon of jam (GI = 51): (51 x 5 grams carb) / 100 = 2.
The GI describes the type of carbohydrate in foods and its potential to raise blood glucose levels. Our actual blood glucose levels are determined by both the quality, or GI, of the carbohydrate and the quantity of carbohydrate. We can predict the effect of a food on our blood glucose level by calculating the glycemic load which is the GI x the amount of carbohydrate, divided by 100.
