The concept of low glycemic index and glycemic load foods as panacea for type 2 diabetes mellitus; prospects, challenges and solutions.
BACKGROUND
This article examines the concepts of low glycemic indices (GIs) and glycemic load (GL) foods as key drivers in the dietary management of type 2 diabetes as well as their shortcomings. The controversies arising from the analysis of glycemic index (GI) and GL of foods such as their reproducibility as well as their relevance to the dietary management of type 2 diabetes are also discussed.


METHODS
Search was conducted in relevant electronic databases such as: Pubmed, Google Scholar, HINARI, the Cochrane library, Popline, LILACS, CINAHL, EMBASE, etc to identify the current status of knowledge regarding the controversies surrounding management of diabetes with low GI and GL foods.


CONCLUSIONS
This article suggests that in view of discrepancies that surround the results of GI versus GL of foods, any assay on the GI and GL of a food with the aim of recommending the food for the dietary management of type 2 diabetes, could be balanced with glycated hemoglobin assays before they are adopted as useful antidiabetic foods.
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebony State, Nigeria.
Chinedum Ogbonnaya
CO
Eleazu
D000368:Aged; D003906:Developing Countries; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; D005260:Female; D038321:Glycemic Index; D000067940:Glycemic Load; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Glycemic index; carbohydrates; foods; nutrition; type 2 diabetes