Diabetes Self-Defense

Week of March 8, 2010: Soy Protein & Diabetes

What Does Science Say About Soy Protein & Diabetes?

It’s now clear that there is scientific evidence to support the incorporation of soy protein into diabetes management. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently stated in a published study that, "In studies of human subjects with or without diabetes, soy protein appears to moderate hyperglycemia [high blood sugar] and reduce body weight, hyperlipidemia [high cholesterol/lipids], and hypersinsulinemia [high insulin levels due to high blood sugar], supporting its beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes."

Are All Sources Of Soy Protein Equal For People With Diabetes?

The short answer is no; you need to carefully incorporate soy protein in your diet. While the number of soy products on the shelf at the supermarket is growing rapidly, as are soy dietary supplements, nutritional experts still conclude that the best sources of soy protein are from whole foods like tofu, soybeans, and soy milk.

How Can I Best Incorporate Soy Protein Into My Diet?

As with any nutritional component that’s being added to your meal plan, incorporate soy products in moderation and balance. For cardiovascular benefits, studies show that you need to consume 25g or more per day of soy protein, but you don’t necessarily need that much to realize other benefits due to its low-fat, low-carb profile. Good sources of natural soy can be found on the shelves in supermarkets and health food stores in the form of tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, soy burgers, and soy puddings. Just be sure to read the label carefully as some commercially prepared soy products can have more harmful ingredients --- such as sugars as fats --- than healthy ones. Most medical experts recommend that you get your soy from natural foods, not from soy supplements.

Soy Protein & Diabetes Information Resources

· Teixeira, S. Journal of Nutrition, Soy Supplement Lowers Risk of Common Diabetes Complications, August, 2004; vol 134: pp 1874-18809.

· American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002 Dec; 76 (6):1191-201. Beneficial role of dietary phytoestrogens in obesity and diabetes. Bhathena SJ, Velasquez MT. Phytonutrients Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.

· European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003 Oct; 57 (10):1292-1294. Beneficiary effect of dietary soy protein on lowering plasma levels of lipid and improving kidney function in type II diabetes with nephropathy. Azadbakht L, et al.