How accurate is glucometer in determining glycemic index
Incorporation of foods with low and medium glycemic indices (GI) in diets indicates a therapeutic potential in reducing insulin resistance and diabetes. Glucometers are convenient in measuring the postprandial blood glucose concentrations and calculation of GI. The aim of this study was to compare an enzymatic kit method and a glucometer in evaluating fasting, postprandial glucose concentrations and GI of different foods. The Accu-Check Active glucometer and glucose oxidase kit (GOD-PAP) were used to analyze the glycemic response of 16 foods. Healthy individuals (age:20-30 yrs, BMI:24±3 kg/m2) participated in the study. GI values were calculated using bread as the standard. Fasting glucose concentrations measured by the two methods were significantly different (p<0.05). Mean glucometer glucose concentrations (n=10) at each time point for all foods were higher than the enzymatic kit values except for one which was not significant. Peak blood glucose concentrations obtained from the two methods and the GI values of the 15 foods were not significantly different (p>0.05). Thus the Accu-Check Active glucometer can be used to determine the GI values of foods.