On the Glycemic Index, why is glucose rated 100?

[dexterium]

On the Glycemic Index, why is glucose rated 100?

On this site http://www.gifoundation.com/GI Concept.htm they state that
glucose is taken as 100 since it causes the greatest and most rapid rise in blood glucose. However, from my knowledge, I have seen foods with higher GI ratings than 100.

For example:

"White rice, boiled, low-amylose (Turkey)" has a GI of 139, 42 carb/serve (g), and a 58.4 GL.

All answers are appreciated.

 

[dexterium]

Actually, the site goes on to say glucose is absorbed quickly from the small intestine and GENERALLY causes the greatest and most rapid rise in blood glucose.

So basically, this means it doesn't ALWAYS cause the greatest and most rapid rise in blood glucose, correct?

 

[sublime35]

I know that some scales use glucose as 100 and some use white bread as 100 so that may make a difference. Im looking around some more too and I'll let ya know what i find.

 

[anthrax]

So what?

glucose = 100 is just a reference

Glucose = 100
higher than 100 = more glucose in the blood than w/ glucose

 

[dexterium]

higher than 100 = more glucose in the blood than w/ glucose

Could you please elaborate on this?

 

[coeus]

I know that some scales use glucose as 100 and some use white bread as 100 so that may make a difference. Im looking around some more too and I'll let ya know what i find.

This is the answer. You just have to find what your refernce point is for the scale. The testers take blood samples to determine your body's response.

From www.glycemicindex.com:

"These blood samples are used to construct a blood sugar response curve for the two hour period. The area under the curve (AUC) is calculated to reflect the total rise in blood glucose levels after eating the test food. The GI rating (%) is calculated by dividing the AUC for the test food by the AUC for the reference food (same amount of glucose) and multiplying by 100"

 

[anthrax]

Could you please elaborate on this?

As already stated there are 2 references white bread and glucose
But they could have used banana or basmati rice

It's like a percentage
A GI is always expressed as a % of the reference

Glucose being the reference doesn't mean it has the highest glycemic index