Lowering Effect on Postprandial Glycemic Response of Nopales Added to Mexican Breakfasts

Abstract

The burden of diabesity is increasing rapidly in Mexico (1). Culturally based diets with low glycemic index and glycemic load might be a low-cost approach for a population with a high index of socioeconomic marginality. Mixed meals are the usual manner of food intake, and they are different among regions of Mexico. Consumption of nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) in middle and low socioeconomic populations of central and southern Mexico is generally three times weekly. Nopales can be purchased at any food market in Mexico. The purpose of this study was to estimate the glycemic index of three usual Mexican breakfasts and to measure the effect of adding cactus pads (nopales) on postprandial glucose response in type 2 diabetic subjects. Thirty six volunteers with type 2 diabetes (47–72 years of age) were recruited. Their mean ± SD fasting blood glucose was 8.0 ± 2 mmol/l. All subjects were treated with glibenclamide, metformin, or both. None of the patients were treated with insulin. Their mean ± SD BMI was 24.86 ± 3.76 kg/m2. All participants gave informed consent, and the study was approved by the Nutrition Institute of Baja California Ethics Committee. Subjects were randomly assigned to eat one of the three test breakfast meals with and without nopales. Ten subjects were assigned to …