NANP Board Practice Exam

What is the Glycemic Index (GI)?

1. The calculated value of blood glucose response to a food compared to a standard food

2. The average blood glucose level after a meal

3. The insulin response triggered by food

4. The carbohydrate content of a food

The correct answer is: The calculated value of blood glucose response to a food compared to a standard food

The Glycemic Index (GI) is defined as the calculated value of blood glucose response to a specific food compared to a standard food, typically glucose or white bread. This measure ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how quickly and how much they raise blood glucose levels after consumption. Foods with a high GI are quickly digested and absorbed, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar, while those with a low GI have a slower, more gradual effect. Understanding the GI of different foods can help individuals manage their blood sugar levels more effectively, which is especially important for those with insulin resistance or diabetes. The other options, while related to blood sugar and food, do not accurately describe the Glycemic Index. The average blood glucose level after a meal reflects a postprandial glucose measurement but does not describe the GI itself. The insulin response triggered by food is an important physiological concept, but it is not what the GI directly measures. Lastly, describing the carbohydrate content of a food focuses on the quantity rather than the quality of how that carbohydrate affects blood glucose levels, which is the essence of the Glycemic Index.