Glycemic Index and other questions
DawnyB1210
Posts: 55
I'm still a newbie (was diagnosed at the end of July), but I'm trying to make sense of this disease, and there is so much conflicting information out there. Can anyone give me the low down on glycemic index?
I've cut Waaay back on my carbs, and together with Metformin and exercise, my numbers are definitely coming down, but now I'm hearing that glycemic index is something I should be paying attention to as well, and I don't really understand what that's all about.
I'm feeling confused and overwhelmed and that my doctor is not really very helpful - that she's just following standard procedure and prescribing meds, but is not knowledgeable or at least forthcoming about anything outside of the box. I'm wondering if I shouldn't be seeing an endocrinologist or just deciding that since what I'm doing is working to not confuse the issue and leave things as they are.
Can anyone else give me some insight please?
I've cut Waaay back on my carbs, and together with Metformin and exercise, my numbers are definitely coming down, but now I'm hearing that glycemic index is something I should be paying attention to as well, and I don't really understand what that's all about.
I'm feeling confused and overwhelmed and that my doctor is not really very helpful - that she's just following standard procedure and prescribing meds, but is not knowledgeable or at least forthcoming about anything outside of the box. I'm wondering if I shouldn't be seeing an endocrinologist or just deciding that since what I'm doing is working to not confuse the issue and leave things as they are.
Can anyone else give me some insight please?
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Replies
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http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/glycemic-index-and-diabetes.html
I did some research and I think this article explains the GI index pretty good. Hope it helps!0 -
I prefer to use Glycemic Load because it factors in an average portion size.
Here's an explanation of the difference between glycemic index and glycemic load.
http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm
Here's another list showing both GI and GL values.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods.htm
Are you checking your bgl with a meter?
Your meter can help identify which particular foods spike your blood sugar. GI and GL are helpful as general guidelines, but not as useful as metering.0 -
I hadn't heard of Glycemic Load before. I'll have to check that out as well. Thanks!
Yes, I do monitor my bgl with a meter, but right now, the numbers really don't mean that much to me. I see a pattern that they are higher in the a.m., and lower after exercise, but I'm not sure how to correlate then with the foods I've eaten. Confusing!!0 -
I like the Mendosa site that was mentioned. Have you met with a certified diabetes educator (CDE)? Ask your doctor for a referral or call the local hospital to find out if they have a diabetes education program. The CDE is an excellent resource for information, and will help you learn what you need to know to manage your diabetes. ~Lynn /Glucerna0
