Glycemic Indices and Glycemic Loads of Some Commonly Consumed Traditional Diets in Northwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of some commonly consumed traditional diets in Northwest, geopolitical zone, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross sectional study was conducted, questionnaires were administered across the local government areas (LGAs) of the selected states (Jigawa, Kano and Katsina), to sample individuals from different sectors of the community. Place and Duration of Study:  Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states for the period of six (6) months. Methodology: Research involves administration of questionnaire/consent form using random sampling technique across the local government areas of Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states (Phase I). Based on respondent’s responses most commonly consumed traditional diet types mentioned by the respondents were documented from which three categories viz; most highly-, moderately- and the least- consumed diets were selected for the study. Diets were prepared according to recipe mentioned by the respondents and most common method of processing/cooking of the commonly consumed diets was also adopted based on their responses. Two hundred and eighty (280) consented subjects were used for the study, twenty (20) subjects were used for the GI test of each prepared diets (twelve diets, four for each state) and forty (40) subjects for the standard diet (glucose). Phase II involves determination of fasting blood glucose for 2hours at interval of 30 minutes for the calculation of glycemic index and load (GI/GL). Fasting blood glucose of the volunteers was determined using standard methods.   Results obtained are mean ± standard error of the mean.  All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samples test using SPSS software version 20.0 with P value <0.05 considered significant. Results: GI and GL of all the prepared commonly consumed traditional diets were found to be high that is >70 and >20 respectively. Conclusion: The high GI and GL observed may promote overconsumption of energy together with sedentary life style leading to a greater risk of developing obesity and consequently diabetes mellitus later in life within the study area.