Low glycemic index foods in diabetes management

The glycemic index (GI) is a scale of foods, scored from 0 to 100, based on how their carbohydrate content potentially affect blood glucose levels. High GI foods are quickly absorbed and converted into glucose, which causes blood sugar to spike. Low GI foods are metabolized more slowly, keeping blood sugar on a more even keel.

Carbohydrates are our primary source of energy. But some are higher quality than others. High GI foods tend to be highly processed and contain sugars and simple starches. Pure proteins and fats don't get a GI score, because they don't contain carbs.

Knowing a food's GI value is an essential tool in the management of diabetes or prediabetes  (Riccardi, 2008). Even more valuable is the glycemic load (GL). GL is the output of a formula that factors in the serving size of a food in addition to the glycemic index of that food. 

Glycemic Load = GI/100 multiplied by the net grams of planned carbohydrate (net carbohydrate is the total grams of carbohydrate minus the dietary fiber). 

In many cases, paying attention to the glycemic load is better than paying attention to the glycemic index. Watermelon, for example, has a high glycemic index but a low glycemic load because the number of carbs you're eating is quite low.

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In diabetes, it's essential to keep your blood sugar level stable with a healthy diet. Eating foods that are low on the glycemic index can be an extremely handy tool in your diabetes treatment plan. According to a review of 14 studies involving 356 subjects published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers found that eating a Low GI diet reduced blood sugar had a "small but clinically useful effect" (Brand-Miller, 2003).

But keep in mind that there is no one diet that's appropriate for everyone with diabetes. Your diet may also need to address aspects of your health status, including blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Talk to your doctor about the right eating plan for you.

Low-glycemic index foods tend to have the following attributes:

• They're whole foods, minimally processed or unprocessed. Generally, the more processed a food is, the higher its glycemic index score (although there are exceptions). During processing, nutrients can be removed and replaced by additives that can affect blood sugar (such as added sugar or high fructose corn syrup). 

• They contain whole grains. Foods made with whole grains tend to have higher fiber content and are lower in carbohydrates than simple starches. They're digested slowly, so they're more filling and don't cause blood-sugar spikes and crashes.   

• They're low in sugar. Keeping your blood sugar stable is reliant on not consuming too much sugar, either naturally occurring or added. Many products you wouldn't expect to contain added sugar do — from wheat bread to pasta sauce to low-fat yogurt.

According to the American Diabetes Association, here are some examples of where foods sit on the glycemic index (ADA, n.d.).

Low GI foods (score of 55 or less)

• 100% stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread

• Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli

• Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar

• Sweet potatoes, corn, peas, legumes, and lentils

• Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots

Medium GI foods (score of 56-69)

• Rye, pita, whole wheat, and whole-grain bread

• Quick oats

• Wild, basmati or brown rice, couscous

• Ice cream

High GI foods (score of 70 or more)

• White bread and bagels

• Processed breakfast cereals: Corn flakes, puffed rice, bran flakes, instant oatmeal

• Short grain rice, white rice, basmati rice, pasta, macaroni and cheese from mix

• Russet potatoes, pumpkins

• Pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn, saltine crackers

• Watermelons and pineapple

Almonds (GI score: 0)

These nuts are an excellent choice for a snack — with a glycemic index score of zero, they won't affect your blood sugar. At the same time, they're rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which are satiating, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been correlated with heart, eye, and brain health. 

Quinoa (GI score: 53)

This nutty-tasting grain is high in protein and fiber, so it will slow digestion, keeping your blood sugar stable and you feeling satisfied longer. Make it part of your glycemic index diet, using it in place of rice as a side dish or as a hearty addition to salads.

Spinach (GI score: <1)

This nutritional powerhouse has a glycemic index score of nearly zero, meaning it won't affect your blood sugar. At the same time, it's high in fiber and can be an extremely satisfying addition to meals. Spinach is also high in vitamins A, C, and K and rich in antioxidants; studies show consuming spinach may lower blood pressure and protect against cancer (Jovanovski, 2015).

Avocados (GI score: <15)

This creamy fruit is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, and eating them might help you lose weight. One study found that people who ate avocado with a meal felt significantly more satisfied and less likely to eat afterward than those who didn't have avocado (Wien, 2013).

Peanut Butter (GI score: 14)

Like the nut it's made from, peanut butter contains healthy fat, which will slow digestion, along with a good amount of fiber and protein. Peanuts have a glycemic index score of just 14, so you'll want to make sure your peanut butter is mostly peanuts, without added sugar or salt. So be sure to do some comparison shopping and check nutrition labels.  Choose a peanut butter that has as few ingredients as possible, has low (or no) added sugar, and doesn't contain sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup.

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Current version

August 19, 2019

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

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About the medical reviewer

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

Dr. Mike is a licensed physician and a former Director, Medical Content & Education at Ro.