Glycaemic index of New Zealand foods

Aim. To determine the glycaemic index values to a rang of foods that are un ique to New Zealand, and those that are grown and/or manufactured locally. Methods. We determined the glycaemic index of 28 carbohydrate foods in both healthy subjects and those with type 2 diabetes. Venous blood samples were collected over two to three hours, and the incremental area under the bloo d glucose curve was used to calculate glycaemic index values. Results and Conclusions. This study has identified the glycaemic index valu es for a range of New Zealand foods which will be clinically useful in the nutritional management of individuals with diabetes mellitus. People with d iabetes are recommended to choose foods with a low glycaemic index which is associated with optimal blood glucose control and lipid levels.