Men with Type II diabetes are needed for a new Yorkshire-based trial, studying the impact of soy on testosterone levels.
The study – commissioned by the Food Standards Agency and led by the University of Hull – plans to look at whether hormone-like chemicals known as phyto-oestrogens, found naturally in soy, can affect testosterone levels in men with Type II diabetes.
Previous studies have shown that around 40 per cent of men with Type II diabetes have low testosterone levels. While trials have also shown that soy can have a positive impact on diabetic women, there has been limited investigation of its effects on men.
“Soy has been shown to improve diabetes control, reducing insulin levels and lowering blood pressure in diabetic women, but we still don’t know whether it can have similar benefits for men,” explains Steve Atkin, Professor of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School.
“Because diabetic men are already more likely to have low testosterone levels, and this is increasingly common as they get older, we need to find out whether phyto-oestrogens can offer health benefits to men, without their hormone-like properties having a negative impact.”
Low testosterone can affect men’s self-esteem, mood and energy levels as well as increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction and heart problems such as angina. The study will assess any effects of an increased intake of soy protein for diabetic men and look for evidence of its potential impact on diabetic control, heart conditions and testosterone levels.
The three-month trial will recruit 250 men between the ages of 45 and 75 with low or borderline normal testosterone levels. The trial is a double blind, placebo controlled study, so volunteers will be asked to eat two snack bars a day which may or may not contain soy phyto-oestrogens.
The trial is open to men throughout the Yorkshire region and although the tests will be carried out in Hull, travelling expenses will be provided.
Professor Atkin realises it may be difficult to recruit to a study of this kind, because of the sensitivity of the health problems to be studied.
“Many men may be reluctant to volunteer to take part in the trial as they would rather not face the issue of low testosterone levels,” he says. “However, without such trials, we can’t properly assess dietary changes which could be very beneficial.
“In countries where normal diets include high levels of soy protein, there are lower incidences of cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease,” he says, “so it’s important we investigate where there may be cause and effect between soy and health benefits.”
Any men who fit the criteria for the trial and would like to take part can ring the Clinical Trials helpline on 01482 675387.
