NoneDecrease
BEST score
Cocoa supplementation → BEST score
Cocoa supplementation → BEST score
Evidence profile
NoneDecreaseClinical Outcomes
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Research Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™
Cocoa supplementation may improve diabetic neuropathy symptoms in type 2 diabetes.
Key finding
In the cocoa group, the TCSS decreased by 2.63 points.
This study investigated the effects of cocoa supplementation on diabetic neuropathy in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Results indicated no significant differences between cocoa and placebo groups.
Evidence strength
Moderate confidence
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Some Concerns bias
Last updated July 6, 2026Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
Population
Young Adult (19–39), Middle Aged (40-64), Male, Female, Asia-Pacific (APAC), with T2 Diabetes
Intervention
Cocoa supplementation, Placebo (methylcellulose)
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Primary outcome
Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
Comparator
Placebo group
Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study's main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study investigated the effects of cocoa supplementation on diabetic neuropathy in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Results indicated no significant differences between cocoa and placebo groups.
Clinical relevance
Understanding the effectiveness of dietary interventions like cocoa supplementation is crucial for managing diabetic neuropathy. If cocoa had shown significant benefits, it could have offered a simple dietary option for patients. However, the lack of significant findings indicates that further research is needed to explore effective treatments for this condition.
Keep in mind
No significant differences were found between groups. Sample size and demographic characteristics were not specified. The study's findings may not be generalizable to all populations with Type 2 Diabetes.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Rebeca K, Gabriela G, Luisa FS, et al. The Effect of Cocoa Supplementation on Diabetic Neuropathy in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025;26(16):8033. doi:10.3390/ijms26168033
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Main Effects
The TCSS decreased by 2.63 points in the cocoa group versus 1.84 points in the placebo group (p > 0.05).
The BEST score decreased by 1.45 points in the cocoa group compared to a 2.21 point decrease in the placebo group (p > 0.05).
Quality-of-Life questionnaire scores decreased by 9.2 points in the cocoa group, with no significant difference from the placebo group (p = 0.501).
Evidence network
How this study fits
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Cocoa supplementation and BEST score, Quality of life, Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS).
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Cocoa supplementation
Primary outcomes
- BEST score
- Quality of life
- Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
3
Evidence pairs
3
Relationships
0
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence
Editorial context
Why this study matters
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
Moderate contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 54
0
Related topics
3
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 3 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 0 direct semantic evidence topics
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
NoneDecrease
Quality of life
Cocoa supplementation → Quality of life
Cocoa supplementation → Quality of life
Evidence profile
NoneDecreasePatient-Reported
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NoneDecrease
Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
Cocoa supplementation → Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
Cocoa supplementation → Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
Evidence profile
NoneDecreaseClinical Outcomes
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Evidence Suggest
- Cocoa group showed a TCSS decrease of 2.63 points, but not significant.
- BEST score decreased by 1.45 points in cocoa group, also not significant.
- Quality-of-Life scores decreased by 9.2 points in cocoa group, with no significant difference.
Who this applies to
- Adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
- Individuals experiencing diabetic neuropathy symptoms.
Keep in Mind
- The study did not find significant benefits from cocoa supplementation.
- Results may not apply to all individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.
- Further research is needed to explore effective treatments for diabetic neuropathy.
Between the Lines
- No significant differences were found between groups.
- Sample size and demographic characteristics were not specified.
- The study's findings may not be generalizable to all populations with Type 2 Diabetes.
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Cocoa supplementation improve best score?
Limited Evidence
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Cocoa supplementation for BEST score.
ConsensusScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
BEST score
EvidenceScore™ Limited | EvidenceScore™ 34.2 | neutral | ConsensusScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Cocoa supplementation improve quality of life?
Limited Evidence
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Cocoa supplementation for Quality of life.
ConsensusScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Quality of life
EvidenceScore™ Limited | EvidenceScore™ 34.2 | neutral | ConsensusScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Cocoa supplementation improve toronto clinical scoring system (tcss)?
Limited Evidence
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Cocoa supplementation for Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS).
ConsensusScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)
EvidenceScore™ Limited | EvidenceScore™ 34.2 | neutral | ConsensusScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
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