Most glucose studies I see online are based on Western diets centered around bread, pasta, and potatoes. As a Filipino, my daily reality involves a heavy reliance on white rice, which behaves very differently in our humid climate.

Our local staples have a high Glycemic Index that often leads to sharper spikes compared to Western whole grains. I’ve noticed that even our “savory” dishes like sweet-style spaghetti or cured tocino contain hidden sugars that Western data doesn’t account for.

The Asian Phenotype and Insulin

Research shows that Asians often develop metabolic issues at a lower BMI than Westerners. Even at 77 kg, my body might struggle with a sugar load more than a taller European with the same weight.

This “Thin-Fat” phenotype means our internal organs can carry visceral fat that affects insulin sensitivity early on. I need to see how my specific Filipino genetics handle a bowl of Mang Inasal rice versus a McDonald’s burger.

The Impact of Local Favorites

Western data won’t tell me how a late-night batch of Paotsin or a morning Taho affects my 15-hour fasting baseline. Our food culture is unique, and my goal is to map out the numbers that global charts simply ignore.

I am documenting this journey to find the truth for my own body within our local food landscape. By testing everything from Chowking to home-cooked Adobo, I am creating a journal that finally speaks our language.