1. Intro to the Glycemic Index for Women with Type II Diabetes Sidrah Usmani (Naturopathic Doctor)

2. Definition & Function of the Glycemic Index A Glycemic index is a numeric index appointed to a carbohydrate rich food to show the increase in blood glucose levels that this food causes after it has been ingested. If you choose low GI carbohydrates that produce only a small difference in your blood glucose level your long term health will be affected greatly in a positive way. It will also reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes and will also cause weight loss.

3. Facts  A food with a GI of over 70 is considered at high GI food and a food that has a GI of less than 55 is considered a low GI food.  Low GI diets causes weight loss and easy management of weight.  Low GI diets increase the body's ability to respond properly to insulin.  Low GI carbohydrates improve the bodies diabetes management.  Low GI carbohydrates reduce the risk of heart disease  Low GI carbohydrates improve blood cholesterol levels  Low GI carbohydrates can help manage symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (which causes infertility).  Low GI carbohydrates reduces hunger and keeps you fuller for a longer period of time.  Low GI carbohydrates can lengthen physical endurance.  High GI carbohydrates help provide more fuel to the bodies carbohydrate stores after exercise.

4. Health Food vs. Glycemic Index FoodsGlycemic IndexGood/Bad/Moderate Spaghetti, white49±2GOOD (low GI) Whole wheat/whole meal bread 74±2MODERATE/BAD (above low below high GI) Apple, raw†36±2GOOD (low GI) Orange juice50±2GOOD (low GI) Carrots, boiled39±4GOOD(low GI) Potato, French fries 63±5MODERATE(middle GI) Fructose15±4GOOD(low GI) Honey61±3MODERATE (middle GI) Chocolate40±3GOOD(low GI) Kidney beans24±4GOOD(low GI) Ice cream 51±3GOOD(low GI) Milk, skim 37±4GOOD(low GI)