glycemic index

noun

: a measure of the rate at which ingested food causes the level of glucose in the blood to rise

also : a ranking of foods according to the glycemic index

—abbreviation GI

Examples of glycemic index in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a low glycemic index (GI), raspberries cause a slower rise in blood sugar compared to high-GI foods, reducing the risk of sharp spikes and crashes. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025

Sourdough may be more blood-sugar-friendly due to its lower glycemic index. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 11 Mar. 2025

Brown rice has a low glycemic index, measuring how quickly and how high blood glucose can rise when affected by foods. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025

Choosing low glycemic index foods can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

glycemic index

noun

: a measure of the rate at which an ingested food causes the level of glucose in the blood to rise

the insulin response caused by carbohydrate depends on the glycemic index … of the food

—Trevor Smith

also : a ranking of foods according to their glycemic index

—abbreviation GI