An estimate of how much a single food portion raises blood glucose, combining the glycaemic index (GI) with the amount of carbohydrate in that portion.
Why it matters for PCOS
Glycaemic load accounts for not just the type of carbohydrate (like GI does) but also how much you actually eat. For the many women with PCOS who have insulin resistance, lower glycaemic-load meals tend to cause smaller blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating. That makes it a practical tool for planning daily meals, for example pairing brown rice with vegetables and protein rather than a large portion of white rice alone.
Glycaemic load is a dietary guide, not a blood test or a treatment. It does not diagnose PCOS, and its effect varies from person to person, so use it alongside advice from a doctor or dietitian.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.