Comparison of glycaemic indices of some local beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp varieties) in Nigerians

Background: Beans are recommended for their richness and for their salutary effect  on blood glucose. Inter-species differences impact on blood glucose. What appeared unknown is whether varieties of beans of the same species (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp) have differential effects on blood glucose when equal amounts are consumed.Objective: To perform proximate analysis and compare the glycaemic indices on  consumption of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp species.Setting and subjects: This was an experimental study and subjects consisted of 12 healthy consenting participants at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Lagos, Nigeria.Outcome measure: Fibre contents and the glycaemic indices of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp varieties ‘oloyin’, ‘drum’ and ‘Sokoto’ white.Results: The mean (±SD) crude fibre content of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp varieties ‘oloyin’, ‘drum’ and ‘Sokoto white’ are 2.75% (± 0.00), 2.64% (± 0.14) and 2.94% (± 0.17) respectively. The median (95% CI) glycaemic index (GI) of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp variety ‘oloyin’ was 12.10% (6.0–16.31), variety ‘drum’ 17.64% (9.22–48.93) and variety ‘Sokoto white’ 12.04% (5.54–28.94) respectively. The GI of the bean meals differed significantly (Friedman’s test, χ2 (2) = 6.500, p = 0.039).Conclusion: The fibre content of intra-species beans, together with their GI, differs. ‘Drum’ bean meal has the lowest fibre content and highest glycaemic response.  ‘Oloyin’ and ‘Sokoto white’ bean meals are recommended for persons with DM as some beans are more diabetic friendly than others.Keywords: beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp), diabetes mellitus, fibre, glycaemic index, Nigeria

Thyroid disorders in Africa: Where do we stand?

Thyroid disorders occur in Africa. These disorders present in various ways over many years with presentation associated with iodine  status and influences of the environment. This article examined disorders of the thyroid gland in Africa, the epidemiology, progress in iodine nutrition, diagnosis and management of these disorders. We search available literatures using Pubmed, Medline and Googles  scholar search engine. The search term was 'Africa' used in various combinations with thyroid gland, iodine deficiency disorders, goitre, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders and thyroid cancers. We reviewed available articles on thyroid  disorders in Africa continent published until 2017. From the published works reviewed during this period, the commonest thyroid  disorder in Africa was iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). This was found to be prevalent in the areas with inadequate iodine intake. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are rare in iodine deficiency but become prevalent with transition to iodine sufficiency. Tremendous improvement has been achieved in iodine nutrition through salt iodination in the African continent. In the African continent, there are no thyroid registry. This has made determination of scope and burden of thyroid disorder in Africa difficult. The challenges of making proper diagnosis is still bane of diagnosis of thyroid disorders in the African continent. There is a strong link between regional iodine status and thyroid disorders in Africa. Most countries in Africa are 80 – 90% iodine sufficient. The use of nuclear modality to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders is highly underutilized. Treatment modalities remain pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention. Key words: Thyroid, Iodine deficiency, Africa, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid malignancy