Effects of Combining Cocoa and Soy in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is an increasingly common condition affecting millions of people world wide. The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle that includes looking at the way how people eat. It is known that food containing compounds called polyphenols can reduce the risk of heart disease risk in people with diabetes. Two foods that are rich sources of polyphenols are cocoa (epicatechins) and soy (isoflavones). Previous studies have shown the benefits of these foods in the diets of people with diabetes. It has also been shown that soy isoflavones and cocoa polyphenols can improve the mood in certain groups of patients. What is not known is whether there is any extra benefit of combining soy protein and isoflavones with cocoa. The aim of the study is to look at the modification of cardiovascular risk by soy and/or cocoa in patients with type 2 diabetes, alone or in combination.