Low GI diets have shown some improvements in HbA1c (2) in Type 2 diabetes.
The glycaemic index is a ranking of carbohydrate based on the overall effect on blood glucose. Slowly absorbed foods have a low GI rating whilst foods that are more quickly absorbed have a higher rating.
Some research has shown benefits of low GI eating although eating to control your diabetes isn’t just about GI ratings and should not be used in isolation. Again it’s the total amount of carbohydrate which effects blood glucose and to have a balanced diet low in fat, salt and sugar with fruit and plenty of vegetables.
For more info www.diabetes.org.uk/gi
Choosing LOW GI swop;
| HIGH GI | LOW GI |
| Long grain rice | Basmati riceWholegrain brown rice
Packs of wholegrain rice and grains eg Quinoa |
| Pasta and noodles | |
| Baked or mashed potatoes | Sweet potatoesBoiled new potatoes |
| White bread and wholemeal | GranarySeeded
Rye |
| Rice and corn cereals | Oat based cereals egmuesli and porridge
Branflakes and those cereals deemed wholegrain |
| Beans, lentils and pulses are low GI and high in fibre . |
If you are interested in starting a lower GI diet a good resource of evidenced based information can be found on the BDA (British Dietetic Association) website: www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts.