A Practical Perspective for a Conservative Estimate of Blood Glucose Level during Restaurant Dining and Supermarket Shopping

• Main Authors: Xiao Dong Chen, Peng Wu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Foods
• Subjects: conservative estimate; blood glucose level; <i>in vitro</i>-<i>in silico</i> prediction; food labeling; Glycemic Index; practicality
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/2/444

Foods today are so diverse and enjoyable, making healthy choices difficult. In this perspective, an <i>in vitro</i>-<i>in silico</i> approach for obtaining a conservative estimate of the postprandial blood glucose concentration, which is a realistic estimate nevertheless, after intake of a certain portion of meals is proposed. The rationales and feasibilities of the approach are described and discussed to an extent. The key idea is to first measure the maximum amount of glucose released in an <i>in vitro</i> test under standardized conditions from a specified serving size of a meal or dish or a packaged product sold in a supermarket. The value can then be translated by a <i>literate</i> consumer to the highest estimate of blood glucose rise prior to purchasing or eating through an established <i>in silico</i> blood glucose prediction model in the medical field. The strategy proposed here would help health conscious (diabetics included) and other life quality conscious individuals to make quantitative decisions on consuming the portions of different foods of desire. This strategy may be more effective in reality compared to the conventional GI (Glycemic Index) and GL (Glycemic Load) concepts.