The glycemic index: methodology and clinical implications”2

There is controversy regarding the clinical utility ofclassifying foods according to their glycemic responses by using the glycemic index (GI). Part ofthe controversy is due to methodologic variables that can markedly affect the interpretation ofglycemic responses and the GI values obtained. Recent studies support the clinical utility of the GI. Within limits determined by the expected GI difference and by the day-to-day variation of glycemic responses, the GI predicts the ranking of the glycemic potential of different meals in individual subjects. In long-term trials, bow-GI diets result in modest improvements in overall blood glucose control in patients with insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Of perhaps greater therapeutic importance is the ability of bow-GI diets to reduce insulin secretion and lower blood lipid concentrations in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54:846-54.