Use a reliable source for GI values (e.g., University of Sydney GI Database).
Your Glycemic Load will appear here.
Understanding Glycemic Load (GL)
The Glycemic Index (GI) ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood glucose levels after consumption. However, GI doesn't account for the actual amount of carbohydrates in a typical serving of that food. This is where the Glycemic Load (GL) becomes a more practical and informative metric.
Glycemic Load (GL) considers both the quality (GI) and the quantity of carbohydrates in a serving of food. It provides a more realistic picture of how a specific portion of food will affect your blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals managing diabetes, seeking to control weight, or aiming for more stable energy levels.
How is Glycemic Load Calculated?
The formula for Glycemic Load is straightforward:
Glycemic Load (GL) = (Glycemic Index (GI) × Grams of Carbohydrates per Serving) / 100
Our calculator uses this formula. You provide the serving size in grams, the total grams of carbohydrates in that serving, and the Glycemic Index of the food. The calculator then outputs the Glycemic Load for that specific portion.
Interpreting Glycemic Load Values:
Low GL: 10 or less – Minimal impact on blood sugar.
Medium GL: 11-19 – Moderate impact on blood sugar.
High GL: 20 or more – Significant impact on blood sugar.
Why Use a Glycemic Load Calculator?
Diabetes Management: Helps individuals choose foods and portion sizes that minimize blood sugar spikes.
Weight Management: Foods with lower GL tend to promote satiety and can be beneficial for weight control.
Energy Levels: By avoiding foods that cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, you can maintain more consistent energy throughout the day.
Informed Food Choices: Provides a deeper understanding of how different foods affect your body, enabling healthier dietary decisions.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
function calculateGlycemicLoad() {
var servingSizeGrams = parseFloat(document.getElementById("servingSizeGrams").value);
var carbohydratesPerServing = parseFloat(document.getElementById("carbohydratesPerServing").value);
var glycemicIndex = parseFloat(document.getElementById("glycemicIndex").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (isNaN(servingSizeGrams) || isNaN(carbohydratesPerServing) || isNaN(glycemicIndex) ||
servingSizeGrams <= 0 || carbohydratesPerServing < 0 || glycemicIndex <= 0) {
resultDiv.textContent = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; // Red for error
return;
}
// The GL formula directly uses GI and carbs per serving.
// Serving size in grams is often used to determine carb amount per serving,
// but if the carbs per serving are already provided, we use that directly.
// The calculator assumes 'carbohydratesPerServing' is the amount of carbs
// present in the 'serving size (grams)' that the user specifies.
var glycemicLoad = (glycemicIndex * carbohydratesPerServing) / 100;
var interpretation = "";
if (glycemicLoad 10 && glycemicLoad <= 19) {
interpretation = "Medium GL (moderate impact on blood sugar).";
} else {
interpretation = "High GL (significant impact on blood sugar).";
}
resultDiv.textContent = "Glycemic Load: " + glycemicLoad.toFixed(1) + " (" + interpretation + ")";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "var(–success-green)"; // Green for success
}