The brain is the organ most sensitive to a change in blood glucose level ? too little produces fatigue, confusion, irritability and aggression while too much may result in loss of consciousness. Glucose intolerance, gut dysbiosis and mineral and vitamin deficiencies, all of which impact on mental functioning, are also risks associated with a diet containing too much refined sugar. The main recommendation was to replace foods containing concentrated sugars with those of a low glycaemic index (a measure of the degree to which blood sugar is raised relative to consumption of pure glucose), which release their energy slowly and do not cause such rapid increases in insulin release from the pancreas. Other suggested dietary strategies for improving blood glucose metabolism were to include protein and fibre for their ability to reduce the glycaemic index of a meal and to consume regular meals to avoid becoming hypoglycaemic.

The glycaemic index of some common foods  

Food           GI Score (0-60 = low, 60-100 = high)

Glucose   100
French baguette     95
Rice Krispies    82
Watermelon    72
Potatoes (canned, new)     65
Digestive biscuits (plain)    59
Basmati rice     58
Pitta bread     57
Muesli    56
Sweetcorn/Popcorn   55
Sweet potato   54
Baked beans   48
Porridge oats    42
Wholegrain rye bread (e.g. pumpernickel)   41
Apple/Pear   38
Spaghetti (wholemeal)    37
Apricots (dried)     31