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

This means that compared to other breads, sourdough is low on the glycemic index, a classification system that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods on a scale of 0-100 according to their impact on blood sugar levels. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Nov. 2025

White Rice White rice is a high glycemic index food that can raise your blood sugar quickly. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025

While toasting alone has been shown to slightly lower the glycemic index of bread, both experts agreed that portion control and nutrient-dense bread varieties will always deliver bigger results. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 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