Glycemic load (GL) is a related concept to the glycemic index (GI) and is used to assess the impact of a specific serving of food on blood sugar levels. While the glycemic index measures the speed at which a particular food raises blood sugar, the glycemic load takes into account both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in a serving.
The formula for calculating glycemic load involves multiplying the glycemic index of a food by the amount of carbohydrates in a serving and then dividing by 100. This provides a more accurate picture of how a realistic portion of a specific food affects blood sugar.
Foods with a low glycemic load are generally considered better choices for managing blood sugar levels, as they have a more moderate impact. Like the glycemic index, monitoring glycemic load can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.