Aim: To determine the glycaemic index values to a range of foods that are unique to New Zealand, and those that are grown and/or manufactured locally.
Methods: We determined the glycaemic index of 28 carbohydrate foods in both healthy subjects and those with type 2 diabetes. Venous blood samples were collected over two to three hours, and the incremental area under the blood glucose curve was used to calculate glycaemic index values.
Results and conclusions: This study has identified the glycaemic index values for a range of New Zealand foods which will be clinically useful in the nutritional management of individuals with diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes are recommended to choose foods with a low glycaemic index which is associated with optimal blood glucose control and lipid levels.