The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and one of its risk factors, obesity, are increasing at rapid rates in all age groups. Good glycemic control has been proven to reduce debilitating complications. Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in the United States focuses on encouraging “complex” over “simple” carbohydrates and the quantity of carbohydrates consumed. In a number of countries worldwide, a quality marker for carbohydrates, the glycemic index, is promoted. This glycemic index (GI) quantifies a carbohydrate's expected impact on the blood glucose response postprandially. Lack of agreement exists among scientists in the United States as to the clinical benefits and patients' ability to comprehend GI. Many factors alter GI, including processing, ripening, and plant varieties. Modest clinical benefits on lipid and glucose levels have been documented. There are simple or complex approaches to enhance individualized MNT with GI in the management of this chronic disease.
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