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

Johnson explained that foods high in fiber have a lower glycemic index, which means they are digested more slowly, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025

Sourdough also causes a slower rise in sugar and can lower the glycemic index of your entire meal. —Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025

Sourdough bread has been shown to have a lower glycemic index (GI) than white bread, Stefanski noted, and thus can be easier to digest than other wheat breads. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025

Mangoes have a low to moderate glycemic index (GI) score that ranges from 41 to 60.2 The GI measures how quickly foods or drinks with carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar. —Laura Schober, Health, 25 June 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