The concept of low glycemic index and glycemic load foods as panacea  for type 2 diabetes mellitus; prospects, challenges and solutions.

Chinedum Ogbonnaya Eleazu
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebony State, Nigeria.

Abstract
Background: This article examines the concepts of low glycemic indices (GIs) and glycemic load (GL) foods as key drivers in  the dietary management of type 2 diabetes as well as their shortcomings. The controversies arising from the analysis of glycemic  index (GI) and GL of foods such as their reproducibility as well as their relevance to the dietary management of type 2 diabetes  are also discussed.

Methods:Search was conducted in relevant electronic databases such as: Pubmed, Google Scholar, HINARI, the Cochrane  library, Popline, LILACS, CINAHL, EMBASE, etc to identify the current status of knowledge regarding the controversies surrounding management of diabetes with low GI and GL foods.

Conclusion: This article suggests that in view of discrepancies that surround the results of GI versus GL of foods, any assay  on the GI and GL of a food with the aim of recommending the food for the dietary management of type 2 diabetes, could be  balanced with glycated hemoglobin assays before they are adopted as useful antidiabetic foods.

Keywords: Glycemic index, carbohydrates, type 2 diabetes, nutrition, foods.