Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

The aim of the report was to investigate the impact of soy protein and isoflavones on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes. The studies used in this report were identified by searching through the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (up to 2020). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the influence of covariates on net glycemic control and lipid changes. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using random-effect models. Changes in the lipid profile showed statistically significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations: ‒0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI, ‒0.33 to ‒0.09; p = 0.0008 and ‒0.20 mmol/L; 95% CI, ‒0.28 to ‒0.12; p < 0.0001, respectively, as well as in HDL-C (−0.02 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.01; p = 0.2008 and triacylglycerols (−0.19 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.48 to 0.09; p = 0.1884). At the same time, a meta-analysis of the included studies revealed statistically insignificant reduction in fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR (changes in glucose metabolism) after consumption of soy isoflavones. The observed ability of both extracted isoflavone and soy protein with isoflavones to modulate the lipid profile suggests benefits in preventing cardiovascular events in diabetic subjects. Further multicenter studies based on larger and longer duration studies are necessary to determine their beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Efficacy and Safety of Omija (Schisandra chinensis) Extract Mixture on the Improvement of Hyperglycemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Accordingly, it is believed that the risk of coronary artery disease would decrease with a decrease in the blood LDL-cholesterol levels due to OSM intake. This hypothesis is similar to the results of a study confirming the decrease in blood LDL-cholesterol concentration with diabetic patients after the intake of supplements [ 36 ].…”

Effects of Soy Protein Containing of Isoflavones and Isoflavones Extract on Plasma Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women as a Potential Prevention Factor in Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…The latest reports indicate that soy and isoflavone consumption is beneficial [ 21 ]. The results support promoting soy intake as part of a healthy diet and suggest the ability of both extracted isoflavones and soy protein with isoflavones to modulate the lipid profile and bring about benefits in preventing cardiovascular events [ 22 ].…”

Isoflavone Protects the Renal Tissue of Diabetic Ovariectomized Rats via PPARγ

“…It has been reported that isoflavone can reduce the risk of type II diabetes mellitus [29,30], but, in another systematic review, isoflavone did not significantly interfere with glucose metabolism. In further work, it has been evidenced that extracted isoflavones and those from soy protein improve the lipid profile and may prevent cardiovascular events in diabetic individuals [31].…”