What are Diabetic Low Glycemic Diet Recipes? The glycemic index is a measure of a carb's effect on blood sugar. So-called “good” carbs – from bran cereal to many fruits and veggies – are lower on the glycemic index.  They are central to weight control, improved blood-sugar control and heart health. Good carbs are digested slowly, so you feel fuller longer, and your blood sugar and metabolism don't go out of whack. By contrast, "bad" carbs, such as white bread and instant mashed potatoes, are quickly digested and released into the bloodstream, spiking blood sugar and making you hungry sooner. The GI only ranks foods containing carbs, so meat, fish and poultry with zero carbs, for instance, don't have GI numbers. You're on your own in deciding how much, what? Carbs? Or GI numbers? your diet should include. At breakfast, go for cereals made with oats, barley or bran; at lunch, eat your sandwich on whole-grain bread or swap bread for lettuce; and at dinner, toss up a salad instead of baking a potato. For more about Diabetic Low Glycemic Diet Recipes, see Best Diets: Improve Your Health | US News & World Report.