Abstract
This metabolic study determined the post-prandial effect of two
Nigerian foods, Detarium microcarpium, DM (legume), Gongronema
latifolium, GL (vegetable) on healthy non-diabetic adults. DM-based
bread (DMB) contained 5g fibre and the control bread (CB) were fed to
ten non-diabetics, five male and female subjects. Fifty grams of GL was
processed and administered by wash-squeezed-drink (GLWSD) or
chew-raw (GLCR) to eight non-diabetic subjects with a 50g glucose
tolerance test as the control. These subjects fasted for 12 hours
overnight, fasting blood was taken, experimental meals were fed. Post-
prandial blood samples were taken at 30 minutes intervals for 2½ hours.
Data was analyzed on the mean incremental blood glucose level using
ANOVA to determine the effect of DMB and GL extract on the post-
prandial glucose level. The result showed a statistically significant
reduction (P<0.05) in the incremental blood glucose level at most post-
prandial times. The peak reduction for GL occurred at 60 minutes
compared to DM which was at 30, 90 and 120 minutes. The overall area
under the glucose curve (AUC) was 62% for DMB, 18% and 13% for
GLCR and GLWSD respectively. These two Nigerian foods could be
useful adjuncts in the prevention and management of NIDDM.