Sugar, Glucose, Glycemic Index...What is the difference and why did my doctor tell me to pay attention to this?

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Glycemic means....

Causing sugar in the blood, so you will see blood sugar and glucose often used interchangeably

The Glycemic Index shows how quickly foods break down into glucose (sugar)

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Glycemic LOAD takes into consideration the total amount of rapidly absorbable carbs (the starch or sugar in food) as well as where it sits on the index.

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For example: A carrot, even though it is HIGHER on the Glycemic Index, because of the FIBER it contains and the need to chew it slowly, absorption of the sugars is LOW or SLOW. This is good!

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Compare this to something that gets chewed quickly with little or no fiber, like a regular traditional brownie or a bowl of ice cream!

 

Bottom line: We want SLOW absorprtion of sugar to keep weight down, have more sustained energy, and improve overall health.

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