AFAA Personal Trainer Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The glycemic index serves a key role in nutrition by ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how they affect blood glucose levels. Specifically, it measures the rate at which ingested carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood glucose, leading to a quick insulin response, while those with a low glycemic index have a more gradual impact on blood sugar. This information is crucial for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, as it helps them make informed choices about which carbohydrate sources may contribute to insulin response.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of the glycemic index. For example, the glycemic index does not measure calorie content, vitamin content, or classify foods based on protein richness. Instead, it focuses solely on understanding the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose, which is integral for both health management and optimizing nutrition practices.