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Our Social Impact

The Glycemic Index Foundation is committed to providing the community with information and tools to help improve their health through scientifically-backed low GI healthy eating principles, as the trusted, global authority on healthy carbohydrates.

Our Social Impact

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Our focus

Diabetes is recognised as the world’s fastest growing chronic condition.

As the independent authority on the nutrition and health benefits of glycemic index, the Foundation focuses on making healthy choices easy, especially for those looking to manage diabetes, prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.

 

How we achieve this:

  • We promote community awareness of the glycemic index so that people can better understand the benefits of lowering the average GI of their diet
  • We enable communities to make easy swaps and informed food choices through the trusted GI Symbol that can be found on food products that meet the strict nutrient criteria
  • We work alongside primary food growers and manufacturers, to help develop innovative healthier low GI carbohydrate food and drink options
  • We invest in scientific research on glycemic index, to continue understanding the health benefits associated with low GI eating
The rise of diabetes numbers

463 million

adults were living with diabetes in 2019, rising to 700 million by 2045

700 million globally live with diabetes

4.2
million

deaths were caused by diabetes globally in 2019

80 percent of people living with diabetes will die

374
million

people are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Source: International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes NSW

Glycemic Index Foundation leading the way

The glycemic index was founded in Canada in 1981, but Australia is recognised as the world leader in the promotion and science of GI:

  • The Glycemic Index Foundation was founded by Professor Jennie Brand-Miller in 2001 and is recognised internationally as a leader in the promotion of healthy diets with a low GI focus
  • The GI Symbol program was originally formed in 2002 by The University of Sydney, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Diabetes Australia. The current member partners of the Foundation are The University of Sydney and Diabetes NSW & ACT. These organisations are represented on the Board and are committed to supporting its success
  • In a world first, in 2007 the Foundation worked with Standards Australia to develop a standard by which GI levels are determined, which is now used as the ‘international standard’
  • The Foundation established the standard by which GI levels are determined, which is now used as the ‘international standard’
  • Australia continues to lead the world in the science of GI and research proving GI works
  • The GI Symbol program is now operated by the Foundation
Low GI Products

GI Symbol Products

Latest GI Research and Emerging Science

Latest GI Research and Emerging Science

Our Board

Our Board

Latest GI News

Latest GI Foundation News

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