GI, GL, Indexes, Food and Diabetes
When I began to work on reversing my Diabetic medication needs, I first had to understand the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load indices along with the implications of my medication and Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor.
Significant lifestyle modifications, particularly changes in activity levels and diet, are the most impactful adjustments in behavior that influence whether an individual can discontinue their diabetes medication. While some individuals may choose to make minimal adjustments and continue taking their medication as prescribed, others may opt for more significant changes.
My decision to implement the activity and dietary modifications necessitated the discontinuation of my medication. The activity regimen is relatively straightforward. Engage in a daily 20–30-minute walk, or choose to walk the dog (if you were not doing so), cycling, joining a gym, or attending fitness classes are all available to you. However, it is crucial to educate yourself about the appropriate dietary choices you make every day.
Good news! The Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Index are here to help you figure out which foods affect your blood sugar levels and how. They’re set up with three categories: Low, Medium, and High. These categories include both whole foods and processed foods. You can find out if a food is Low, Medium, or High on websites, through Google searches, and in many apps.
The goal is to eat foods that are low on the glycemic index. You can use either index to figure out how a food will affect your blood sugar, but I usually prefer the Glycemic Index. Many books have been written about following a Low Glycemic Diet, including myself and the books are not just for people with diabetes, they are for everyone. A low glycemic diet can reverse prediabetes and reduce the need for medication for Type 2 Diabetes, and it can help manage insulin needs for Type 1 Diabetes.
Paying attention to what you eat with a low glycemic index can help with other serious health problems like obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Understanding how these indexes can improve your health and help you make positive changes in your life is super valuable. Optimal hydration and fluid intake helps with the diabetic impact on kidneys and skin.
This book will teach you all about the indexes and how they support diet changes and tools like continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs). These monitors will help you track how well you’re following the indexes and making healthy food choices.
I hope you enjoy and find this book useful.