[Glycemic index and insulin response to the ingestion of precooked corn flour in the form of "arepa" in healthy individuals].

With the purpose of exploring the glucose and insulin responses to a breakfast composed of a complex carbohydrate (CC) in the form of a "arepa" prepared with precooked corn flour, with or without the addition of protein and fat (CC + P + F), we studied 6 healthy volunteers, ages ranging from 26-50 years and body mass index of 24.5 +/- 1.32. Three tests were performed on each individual: 1) 75 g OGTT, 2) Ingestion of 75 g of CC ("arepa") and 3) Ingestion of 75 g of CC + 6.7 g protein (low fat cheese) and 4 g fat (margarine). Glycemic values (glucose - oxidase method) and insulinemia (radioimmunoassay) were determined at basal, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min. Glucose (GA) and insulin (IA) areas, glycemic index (GI) and insulin/glucose ratio (I/G) were calculated. We found that the "arepa" has a high GI (71.5%) that it is increased, although not significatively to 140% with the addition of protein and fat. Total GA as well as IA obtained for CC and for CC + P + F were similar to OGTT, however the profiles of the glucose and insulin responses during CC and CC + P + F were less abrupt but more prolonged, resulting in a greater I/G ratio for OGTT in comparison with CC or CC + P + F during the initial steps. We conclude that GI of this corn bread ("arepa") is high in comparison to other complex carbohydrates and it is not altered by the addition of protein and fat. This is possibly due to glucose and insulin responses similar to that produced by OGTT.