Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my science fair project, I'm trying to find the best diabetic snack food - that is one that raises glucose levels the highest and quickest. I plan on measuring the glucose level of each food with blood glucose test strips, but don't know how to measure the food's absorption rate. Is there an experiment that can measure this? Thanks.

Hi,

This sounds like a very interesting topic. You are right - in order to answer that question, you need a way to measure how much change in blood gulocse each food provides. For your project, are you allowed (and have access to) animals? Or do you have access to a cell culture laboratory? Understanding what you have access to will help us answer your questions.

Perhaps you can ask a similar question that won't rely on the use of animals (and their blood for measuring the glucose).

Two things--first, the food that generally raises blood glucose the highest the fastest (such as a huge slice of cake) is actually the worst food for diabetics, in my experience. Though, perhaps it depends on whether you are a type I or a type II diabetic? I am used to type IIs! You probably need to do some more background research on this point.

Second, there is no easy way to measure the rate of food absorption in humans. However, I think you will be fine if you just have different foods and test how they change blood glucose levels.

I don't have access to a lab - and I would rather not do any tests using animals.

And my report is more geared toward type 1 diabetics, which my mom is. I figured she could help me pick out some of the foods I plan on testing. I've also done lots of research to try and figure out which foods are best.