The glycemic response of a food is a measure of the food's ability to elevate blood sugar. The glycemic response is influenced by the amount of food you eat, its fiber content, fat content or amount of added fat, and the way the food is prepared.

Highly glycemic carbohydrates are best consumed during and after exercise. They enter the bloodstream quickly and are readily available for fueling exercising muscles.

Low glycemic carbohydrates enter the bloodstream slowly and are best eaten before exercise. They provide sustained longer-term energy, and help maintain stable blood sugar levels during extended exercise periods (greater than one hour).

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NOTE:  For more information on the Glycemic Index and how choosing the correct foods may help with diabetes, please visit the following page posted by Rick Mendosa.   He provides excellent articles on information specific to diabetics, a list of links and references where you can find more information, and a comprehensive list of the glycemic indices of foods.