The Glycemic Index is a concept developed in the University of Toronto in 1981. The purpose of the Glycemic Index is to measure the effect carbohydrates have on blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Index is imperative for anyone who needs to monitor their glucose level due to diabetes or hyperglycemia. With diabetes reaching epidemic levels in the United States, the development of the Glycemic Index could not have come at a better time. Each year, more people are diagnosed with this potentially life threatening disease that can cause many serious complications. It is important for anyone with this condition to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so they can empower themselves and learn which foods should be avoided.

Scientists studying diabetes do not yet completing understand all the factors governing the disease. What makes one person get diabetes, while another person does not? This puzzling question is complicated by the fact that diabetes appears in several forms. Most people (90%) with diabetes have Type 2; Type 1 diabetes is the second most common form.

Coping with diabetes typically involves a combination of physical treatments and psychological adjustments.