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

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