What is the glycemic load?

The glycemic load is indeed a reflection of portion size in relation to its impact on blood sugar levels. It takes into account both the glycemic index of a food, which indicates how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose levels, and the amount of carbohydrates in a typical serving. By assessing both these factors, glycemic load provides a more comprehensive understanding of how a particular food will affect blood sugar when consumed as part of a meal.

For instance, a food with a high glycemic index may not raise blood sugar significantly if only a small portion is consumed; conversely, a food with a moderate glycemic index could lead to a significant spike in blood sugar if eaten in a large portion. Therefore, understanding glycemic load helps individuals, especially those managing diabetes, make better dietary choices based on not just the type of carbohydrate present in their food but also the amount they are consuming.