Slow Release of Glucose OK?

[tom sawyer]

I read in the research forum where Atkins is doing some different testing on lc products, creating a glycemic index using real world portions. I know that some foods give a longer, lower blood glucose rise than you would see if you ate something that was easily digested and absorbed.

My question is, is a slow, controlled release of glucose something that can have detrimental effects? I know the lack of a sharp spike is good, inasmuch as you shouldn't have the highs and lows, and the hunger an hour later. But if you eat something that causes a rise over a several hour period, won't that wind up overlapping with your next snack, and maybe create an elevated glucose level?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Nancy LC]

I think we're in sort of unknown territory with that. Are you refering to Dreamfield's Pasta?

I've tried the pasta and I liked it, but I have to admit, I was hungry again rather soon after eating it. Still haven't figure out if it was because of a BS thing or because it wasn't enough calories. I think next time I'll try making some macaroni and cheese with it and see what happens.

I've never made macaroni and cheese in my life! Neither one has been allowed on any sort of diet I've followed...

[tom sawyer]

The new Atkins carb count method prompted me to ask the question. And it appears that Dreamfields is one of those engineered products that will give a longer lower glucose response. I would also assume that many unprocessed foods with more complex carbs would elicit a similar response.

Hey they just had a half hour show on mac and cheese, on food network. It made my mouth water, and my eyes tear up.

[cindy_cfid]

In "Life Without Bread", Dr.Lutz explains that glucose released at the rate of 9.4 carb grams per hour (72 grams per day) will control your insulin output. So I would think that at Atkins lower total carb you would be fine as long as you paced your carbs throughout the day.

[AndreaBash]

So off topic... but I can't believe you can still watch Food TV! It used to be our round-the-clock station... but since starting Atkins I can't watch it at all. I really hate that I can't make all of the things that look good!

[caligrrl]

High Fructose Corn Syrup causes a lower insulin response, but has been shown to lead to heart disease and diabetes. So although intuitively it seems like avoiding blood sugar spikes would be a good thing, I'm not convinced it is.

[tom sawyer]

Caligirl, I think its the sheer quantity of hfcs that the average American injests, that is the problem. Although fructose doesn't cause insulin release, there is a substantial amount of sucrose and other sugars in the stuff so you still get a nice big dose of sugars.

I think blood sugar spikes have two effects on us. One is on apetite, the dreaded "hungry an hour after a big meal" syndrome. The other being, the effect of repeated multiple large insulin releases resulting in insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes.