| Objectives: The risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases in women after menopause. Genistein is
known to modulate metabolic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genistein
supplementation on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress and obesity values in postmenopausal
women with T2DM.
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 postmenopausal
women 47 to 69 years of age with T2DM. The genistein group (n¼28) was given 2 genistein
capsules daily for 12 weeks. Each capsule contained 54 mg genistein. The placebo group (n¼26) received
2 placebo capsules daily for the same period. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements,
dietary intakes and physical activity levels of subjects were collected at baseline and at the end of the
trial. Data were analyzed by independent t test, paired t test and analysis of covariance.
Results: Genistein supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS),
glycated hemoglobin (A1C), serum triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared with the placebo group at the end of the study (p<0.05 for all).
Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index significantly
increased within the genistein group. Changes in anthropometric indexes and other variables were not
significant in any of the groups.
Conclusions: Genistein administration improved FBS, A1C, serum TG, TAC and MDA in postmenopausal
women with T2DM and may be useful in the control of metabolic status and oxidative stress in these
subjects. |