Glycemic responses of local beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn Walp] varieties) in persons with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls - An experimental study

Background: Medical nutrition therapy is an important aspect of managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Foods with low glycemic index are encouraged in individuals with DM. Despite the good glycemic indices associated with beans, glycemic responses of bean meals in persons with DM is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in the glycemic responses of local beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn Walp] varieties) in persons with Type 2 DM (T2DM) and healthy controls. Methods: This was an experimental study done at Lagos University Teaching Hospital over 12 weeks. Twelve consenting T2DM persons and 12 healthy controls participated in this study. Peak plasma glucose (PPG), the maximum increase in plasma glucose (MIPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2HPPG), and incremental area under glucose curve (IAUGC) of three different varieties (V. unguiculata [Linn Walp] varieties) “oloyin,” “drum” and “sokoto white” were measured. Results: Among healthy participants “Oloyin” bean meal had the lowest values of PPG, MIPG, and IAUGC, while “drum” bean meal had the highest values of MIPG and IAUGC (P = 0.039). Among persons with DM, “Oloyin” bean meal had the highest 2HPPG, PPG but lowest MIPG values when compared with other bean meals while “drum” bean meal had the highest MIPG and IAUGC with the lowest 2HPPG of the three-bean meals. Conclusion: There were differences in the glycaemic responses of V. unguiculata (Linn Walp) varieties studied in persons with T2DM and controls. Glycaemic responses, in addition to glycemic indices of meals, should be considered in the management of persons with DM.