Long-term effects of soy in diabetics
There were positive effects on predictors of heart and kidney complications in diabetics with kidney disease.
First, the details.
- 41 patients with type 2 diabetes plus nephropathy (kidney complications particularly if diabetes is poorly controlled) were studied for 4 years.
- Those in the soy protein group consumed a diet containing 0.8 grams protein/kg body weight (35% animal proteins, 35% textured soy protein, and 30% vegetable proteins).
- The control group followed a similar diet containing 70% animal proteins and 30% vegetable proteins.
And, the results.
- Those on the soy protein diet showed significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels vs controls (average change –18 vs +11 mg/dL).
- The soy protein diet showed significantly changes in most lipids vs controls.
- Total cholesterol (–23 vs +10 mg/dL)
- LDL (bad) cholesterol (–20 vs +6 mg/dL)
- Serum triglycerides (–24 vs –5 mg/dL)
- No change in HDL (bad) cholesterol
- Serum CRP levels were also significantly decreased by soy protein intake compared to the control group.
- There were significant improvements in proteinuria and urinary creatinine in the soy protein group.
The bottom line?
Diet is a cornerstone of the management of diabetes. The authors showed that the positive changes in laboratory values used as markers of cardiovascular risk factors and kidney-related biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy are maintained over the long term.
4/5/08 12:13 JR