Deciphering Low-Carb Diet Jargon :: Nutritio

Deciphering Low-Carb Diet Jargon The medical world is a complicated one with constant changes in what is recommended for good health. Trying to keep up with current information is challenging enough, but deciphering the technical jargon can be the most confusing part. The low-carb diet craze exploded into the media with Atkins, The Zone, and the South Beach Diet. Accompanying these names are words such as glucose and fructose with many people know are different forms of sugar. But what do some of these other common words and phrases mean? What are insulinemia, glycemia, and a glycemic index? They are frequently used, but what do they mean?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First of all, the goal of the low carb bars and snacks is to reduce the postprandial (after a meal) insulin levels. Insulin levels are important for health reasons, particularly diabetes. It is well- known that there is increasing concern over the rising obesity and diabetes rates in this country. Glycemia is the presence of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia is an abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood. It is important to test people with diabetes regularly for their glycemic status because they have certain glycemic goals of where their blood sugar level needs to be and this can vary from person to person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This is where the glycemic index comes into play. The glycemic index is a ratings system for food based on their glycemic response, which is the speed at which a food is able to increase a person’s blood glucose level. White bread is an example of a food with a high glycemic index. Foods with a high glycemic index break down into sugars more quickly than those with a low index. Studies show that foods with a low glycemic index may help to manage diabetes by helping to control glucose levels. With the growing diabetes trend this information could e crucial for maintaining health for those with diabetes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Insulinemia is the presence of an abnormally high concentration of insulin in the blood. Insulin is important in order to get the sugars out of our blood and into organs or storage.