Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Commonly Consumed Foods in Northern Nigeria: A Comparative Study

This study investigated the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of staple foods commonly consumed in Gombe State, a region characterised by carbohydrate-rich diets and rising diabetes prevalence. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 200 non-diabetic participants aged 21–75 years, who underwent postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) testing after consuming 10 traditional meals, including Tuwon Masara (maize pudding), Tuwon Shinkafa (rice pudding), Fried Sweet Potato, and Masa (rice cakes). Results revealed that nearly all tested foods exhibited high GI values, with Fried Sweet Potato (97.39 ± 0.72) and Masa (95.74 ± 0.32) ranking highest. At the same time, Pasta Jollof (65.21 ± 1.23) was the only food with a moderate GI, suggesting slower glucose release. GL values varied significantly, with Tuwon Shinkafa (53.0 ± 0.40) and Semovita (51.9 ± 0.38) recording the highest loads due to portion size and carbohydrate density. Chi-square analysis demonstrated significant associations between sociodemographic factors and high-GI/GL food consumption, with income (p = 0.024) and gender (p = 0.041) emerging as key determinants. Low-income individuals (91.7%) and males (91.7%) were more likely to consume high-GI/GL foods. The study concludes that carbohydrate-containing foods in Gombe State exert varied effects on blood glucose levels, with variability influenced by demographic and anthropometric parameters, portion size, and processing methods. These findings highlight the importance of dietary awareness and targeted interventions to improve glycemic control in populations at risk.