posted 10/24/02
Phytoestrogen consumption has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance, glycemic control, and serum lipoprotein levels, In postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, according to findings from a British study.
Dr. Vijay Jayagopal, from the
Hull Royal Infirmary in the UK, and colleagues conducted a cross-over trial in
which 32 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes received dietary
supplementation with phytoestrogens or placebo for 12 weeks. The phytoestrogen
preparation contained a combination of soy protein and isoflavones.
Compared with placebo use, phytoestrogen use was
associated with significantly greater reductions in fasting insulin levels,
insulin resistance, HbA1c levels, total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol,
cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, and free thyroxine levels. In contrast,
phytoestrogen use did not influence HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and a
variety of other factors related to heart disease.
"These data show that short-term dietary
phytoestrogen supplementation reduces insulin resistance and improves glycemic
control in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, while also reducing their
cardiovascular risk by lowering LDL cholesterol," the investigators conclude.
It remains unclear whether the soy protein or isoflavone component was primarily responsible for the beneficial effects or if both components act synergistically, Dr. Jayagopal and colleagues note. Clearly, further studies are needed to answer this question and to determine the amount of each that is needed for clinical benefit.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com: Diabetes Care 2002;25:1709-1714.
Home - Table of Contents - Donate Now - About Diabetes - Warning Signs - Complications - Screening Test - Diabetes Terms - Site Search - Meet Mr. Diabetes® - Wake Up And Walk® Tour - Latest News - Headlines & News Stories - Health & Fitness - About Us - FAQ - Research Form - - Message Board - Privacy Policy - Legal Notices - How to Contact Us - Comments form - Suggestion Form - Our E-Mail Addresses - Our Address and Phone Numbers - Links - Contact Us