Journal of Education, Health and Sport (Aug 2020)

Study on the state of knowledge of medical students about the glycemic index of popular food products in Poland. A survey study

  • Jakub Czarnota,
  • Michał Dobrzyński,
  • Tomasz Skubel,
  • Małgorzata Drozd,
  • Iga Dudek,
  • Dorota Sokół,
  • Halina Piecewicz-Szczęsna

DOI
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.08.034
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 8
pp. 291 – 297

Abstract

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Introduction: The glycemic index (GI) is a helpful indicator in composing a healthy diet, especially for people at risk of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. High GI products are quickly digested and absorbed in the human body. There is a sharp increase in postprandial glucose and insulin secretion, followed by a rapid decrease in blood glucose level, which results in increased glucagon secretion and increased appetite. A high GI diet may be one of the causes of insulin resistance and obesity.Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the state of knowledge of medical students studying in Poland about the glycemic index of popular food products.Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. The answers of 140 medical students of polish medical universities were analyzed.Results: Despite the fact that 52.1% of respondents declared that they are interested in the subject of healthy eating, milk chocolate and honey were most often recognized as high GI by the respondents (respectively 90.6% and 84,1% of answers). However, these products are classified as low/medium GI products. A baguette with a very high GI obtained 70.3% of responses. Another product with a medium Gi, boiled potatoes, got 56.5% response.Conclusion: The knowledge of medical students about the glycemic index is not large, despite expressed interest in the subject of healthy eating.

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