What does glycemic index measure?

• A. The amount of carbohydrate in a food
• B. How quickly carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood glucose
• C. The protein content of a meal
• D. The fat content of a meal

Answer: (B)

Glycemic index measures how quickly carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood glucose after eating. It compares the rise in blood sugar after a portion of the food to the rise after consuming a standard reference portion (like glucose) over about two hours. A high GI indicates a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin, while a low GI indicates a slower, more gradual increase, which can help with steady energy and better blood sugar control. This measure focuses on the speed of glucose release from the carbohydrate, not on how much carbohydrate is present in the food, and it doesn’t reflect protein or fat content. Fiber, fat, and processing can influence the GI by altering how quickly the carbohydrate is digested and absorbed.