Glycemic load (GL) has been found to be a stronger measure for glycemic response to carbohydraterich foods. This is because it accounts for both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates consumed. This study therefore investigated the association between the total glycemic load from Kenya’s most popular staple food “ugali”, with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). The study was cross-sectional involving 260 women aged 18 – 90 years drawn from households located in Amagoro division of Western Province of Kenya. Households were chosen by cluster and stratified sampling. Data on demography, socio-economy and diabetes status were collected by interviews using pre-tested questionnaires. Blood sugar levels were measured using a glucometer and levels ≥7.8 mmol/L underwent a confirmatory test using fasting blood sugar. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard protocols with some modifications. Body mass index was obtained by dividing weight (kg) by height (m2) and classified as underweight (<18.5); normal weight (18.5-24.9); overweight (25.0-29.9) and obesity (≥30). Waist circumference > 88 cm indicated abdominal obesity. Waist-hip-ratio >0.80 was considered abnormal. The total GL was calculated by adding glycemic load of individual ugali-based meals. The odds ratio showed that those consuming glycemic load ≥ 840 per week were 1.25 times more likely to have DM2 as opposed to those consuming GL less that 840 per week although this finding was not statistically significant (OR= 1.25, 95% CI - OR 0.48-3.27, p=0.646). After controlling for confounding variables, no significant association was found between GL and DM2 although those consuming more >840 were 1.36 times more likely to suffer from DM2 as opposed to those on moderate load. Physical activity and alcohol consumption were the independent risk factors for DM2 in this population (p<0.05). Key words: glycemic load, diabetes mellitus type-2, women, Western Kenya.