Some research indicates that how blood glucose levels function can lead to diseases, including the possibility of an interconnected link to cancers. One way to control blood glucose levels is in following the glycemic index diet. The glycemic index is a numerical rating system for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in food that break down quickly in the bloodstream cause blood glucose levels to spike, or rise rapidly. Carbohydrates in food that break down slowly release glucose gradually into the blood stream. Ideally, you want glucose to be released slowly to maintain optimum health -- and weight for that matter. In addition, fat and fiber can influence how slowly or quickly carbohydrates are converted. For example, a slice of whole grain bread is a low glycemic food, where white bread is a high glycemic food.

If you are interested in learning more about the low glycemic diet, a few places to start are Fifty50 and Shake Off the Sugar, where you will find a glycemic index for some every day foods, educational information, recipes and tips.