Soy: New Weapon In Anti-Diabetes Armour

Diabetes is a condition where body cells are unable to obtain glucose (blood sugar) to fuel their basic energy needs. Normally, glucose is produced when the body breaks down complex carbohydrates. Insulin, hormone produced in pancreas plays a prominent role in the absorption of glucose by the cells. In diabetics, natural insulin may be present, but cells do not recognize it as such and so cannot absorb glucose. This is known as insulin resistance.

Researchers studying the effect of soy in diabetic patients found less glucose in the urine of diabetics who consumed soybeans. This might suggest that the body cells of these patients were able to absorb glucose in a more efficient manner. Experts have even gone so far as to hint that the blood sugar control achieved by soy could be as good or even better than normally prescribed medicines.

The hypothesis is that the soluble fiber, found in soy, may help to regulate glucose levels. Scientists also believe that a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate diet may actually help enable cells to recognize the insulin in the bloodstream. It is important to note, however, that the fiber content in soy foods can vary significantly.

Diabetic patients are not new to the practice of bringing in diet changes to help them control their blood sugar. Thus it wont be difficult for the diabetics to include soy in their diet so that they can be more in control of their blood sugar.

Research has consistently come out with results that are supportive of the substitution of soy protein, for animal protein, in the diet of this population. In particular, investigators have concentrated on the role of soy in normalizing blood glucose, serving as a rich source of soluble fiber, reducing cholesterol levels and preventing and treating diabetic kidney disease.

A diet rich in soy-foods is the first step towards normalizing blood glucose, as far as a soy buff is concerned. Soybeans are often described as having a low glycemic index and hence can be safely taken by diabetic patients. Foods with low glycemic indices are recommended to diabetes patients in an effort to manage and control their disease. In addition to having a low glycemic index, soy-foods are rich sources of fiber with 30% of this fiber appearing in the form of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may also help to control blood glucose levels in both healthy and diabetic people.

In Short

• There are 18 million Americans with diabetes mellitus. Nearly 90% of these individuals are classified and having type 2 diabetes.
• Soybeans have a low glycemic index and in this manner have been shown to improve blood glucose control.
• Soybeans are high in fiber, which may also help in the control of blood glucose levels.
• Soy may help to prevent the onset of coronary heart disease by decreasing both total and LDL-cholesterol (often called the "bad" cholesterol).
• A vegetarian diet has been shown to decrease the workload of the kidney and may help to prevent and treat diabetic kidney disease.