title: Glycemic load and chronic disease.
abstract: The glycemic index (GI) has proven to be a useful nutritional concept, providing new insights into the relationship between foods and chronic disease. Observational studies suggest that diets with a high glycemic load (GI x carbohydrate content) are independently associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Postprandial hyperglycemia plays a direct pathogenic role in the disease process. Lower glucose and insulin levels are associated with improved risk profile, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated proteins, oxidative status, hemostatic variables, and endothelial function. Limited evidence suggests that a low-GI diet may also protect against obesity, colon cancer, and breast cancer. Diets with a high glycemic load may affect health differently in insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive individuals. Improvements in postprandial hyperglycemia can be brought about by manipulating either the type (i.e., GI) or amount of dietary carbohydrate, or both; at present, the GI appears to be more effective.
authors.affiliation: Human Nutrition Unit, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Janette C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Brand-Miller
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008055:Lipids