Introduction.

The glycemic index (GI) is the numerical form that represents the rate of the carbohydrate absorption after a meal. This index multiplied by the amount of carbohydrates in grams divided by 100 is the glycemic load (CG). Both indicators allow selection and use of food in diets to control blood glucose levels, affecting the state and restitution of health. Chuño biscuits is a pastry food based on potato starch that has expanded its consumer market to Bolivian cities, it is a source of carbohydrates, and it is consumed as a substitute for bread and cookies.

Objectives.

To determine the glycemic index and the glycemic load of Chuño biscuits in students of Centro de Estudios Técnicos Acelerados Loreto (CETAL) in La Paz city.

Materials and methods

: This observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study included ten students who met the selection criteria. The glycemic response was evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after ingesting a solution with 50 g of glucose and after consuming 72.14 g of Chuño biscuits, following procedures recommended by FAO / WHO to calculate the glycemic index and glycemic load subsequently.

Results.

The average GI value of Chuño biscuits was 65.5 ± 4.8. The CG was 13.6 for a serving of 30 g of the Galletas de Chuño.

Conclusions.

Chuño biscuits are a food with a medium glycemic index and a medium glycemic load, so it is recommended for consumption by the general population, however, when its intake is frequent, it should be consumed in moderation.

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