Postprandial Glycaemic Response to a Tempeh-based Functional Food Among Non-diabetic, Diabetic, and Tuberculosis Patients with Diabetes in Indonesia

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity presents a growing nutritional challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Adequate protein intake is essential for TB recovery, while postprandial glycaemic control remains critical for individuals with DM. Tempeh-based foods may serve as culturally acceptable functional foods with favourable metabolic effects. This study aimed to describe postprandial glycaemic response patterns following consumption of a tempeh-based functional food (ATemp) among non-diabetic, diabetic, and TB patients with diabetes. A quasi-experimental observational study was conducted in Bandung, Indonesia, involving 178 adults classified into non-diabetic (n=100), diabetic (n=50), and TB–DM (n=28) groups. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2h-PPG) levels were measured after ATemp consumption. Glycaemic responses were analysed descriptively across groups. Mean fasting glucose levels were 83.7 ± 10.6 mg/dL in non-diabetic participants, 170.4 ± 67.6 mg/dL in diabetic participants, and 156.6 ± 75.2 mg/dL in TB–DM participants. Postprandial glucose levels demonstrated modest incremental changes across all groups. Despite elevated baseline glucose in diabetic and TB–DM participants, postprandial glycaemic excursions following ATemp consumption remained limited. Consumption of a tempeh-based functional food was associated with a favourable postprandial glycaemic response across different metabolic conditions. These findings support the potential role of tempeh-based functional foods in nutritional management strategies for diabetes and TB–DM comorbidity.