Contrary to popular belief, a new study suggests that eating rice does not substantially raise blood sugar levels – thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes – although researchers warn that some varieties of rice may need to be avoided. The study was published this month in the journal Rice by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). It found that as many as three quarters of 235 rice varieties analysed had a low to medium glycaemic index (GI), and were therefore less likely to lead to diabetes.