How to Calculate Glycemic Load

What is Glycemic Load?

Glycemic Load (GL) measures a food's actual blood sugar impact, combining Glycemic Index quality with carbohydrate quantity in a serving — more practical than GI alone.

Formula

Glycemic Load (GL) = (Glycemic Index × Carbohydrates (g)) / 100; GL < 10 low, 10–20 medium, > 20 high per serving

GI: Glycemic index of food (Integer (0–100))
Carbs: Carbohydrates per serving (Grams)
GL: Glycemic load per serving (Integer)

Step-by-Step Guide

1GL = GI × Net carbs (g) / 100
2Net carbs = Total carbs − Fibre
3Low GL ≤ 10; Medium 11–20; High ≥ 21
4Large serving of low-GI food can still have high GL

Worked Examples

Input

White rice: GI 73, 36g net carbs/150g serving

Result

GL = 73 × 36/100 = 26.3 — High

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is GL better than GI?

GI ignores portion size. Watermelon (high GI) has low GL (small carbs per serving). GL accounts for both speed of digestion and amount of carbs. More practical for food choices.

What foods have low GL?

Non-starchy vegetables, legumes, steel-cut oats, nuts, berries. Avoid refined grains, sugary drinks, white bread (high GL). Pairing protein/fat with carbs lowers overall GL.

Does GL matter for non-diabetics?

Yes. Low GL diet reduces diabetes risk, supports weight management, improves energy stability. Prevents blood sugar spikes that trigger hunger. Beneficial for everyone.

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