What does the glycemic index measure?

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels after consumption. It is a ranking system that assigns a value to carbohydrate-containing foods based on how rapidly they cause blood glucose to rise, relative to a reference food, such as glucose or white bread. Foods with a high glycemic index are absorbed quickly, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, while foods with a low glycemic index are digested more slowly, resulting in a gradual increase in blood sugar.

Understanding the glycemic index is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, as it can help them choose foods that maintain steadier blood sugar levels, preventing spikes that can lead to health complications. The other options do not accurately reflect what the glycemic index measures; for example, the amount of sugar in foods pertains to their overall sugar content rather than the speed of blood sugar increase. Similarly, nutritional value and calorie count are important aspects of dietary considerations but are not captured by the glycemic index.