The Role of Isoflavones in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment-A Narrative Review

Given the growing number of type 2 diabetic individuals and the substantial social and financial costs associated with diabetes management, every effort should be made to improve its prevention and treatment methods. There is an ongoing search for natural dietary compounds that could be used for this purpose. This narrative review focuses on the therapeutic potential of isoflavones in diabetes prevention and treatment. This review summarizes (i) the molecular mechanisms of isoflavones action that are critical to their anti-diabetic properties; (ii) preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies evaluating the influence of isoflavones on the function of key organs involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes; and (iii) epidemiological studies and clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of isoflavones in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in humans. Apart from discussing the effects of isoflavones on the function of organs classically associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes (pancreas, liver, muscles, and adipose tissue), the impact of these compounds on other organs that contribute to the glucose homeostasis (gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and brain) is also reviewed.

Automated summary

Given the significant social and financial costs associated with diabetes management, efforts need to be made to improve prevention and treatment methods. This narrative review focuses on the therapeutic potential of isoflavones in diabetes prevention and treatment, summarizing their molecular mechanisms, preclinical studies, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials. The review also discusses the effects of isoflavones on organs involved in diabetes pathogenesis, as well as other organs contributing to glucose homeostasis.