Omega-3 might manage T2 Diabetes

Created March 2018

The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review

Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, online 12 March 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2018.02.002

C. Itsiopoulosa, , 1, , W. Marxa, 1, H.L. Mayra, O.A. Tatucu-Babeta, S.R. Dashb, E.S. Georgea, c, G.L. Trakmana, J.T. Kellyd, C.J. Thomase, L. Brazionisf, g

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Highlights

  • T2DM is a significant health burden with multiple associated comorbidities.

  • There are limited clinical data supporting omega-3 PUFA supplement use in T2DM.

  • There is consistent evidence for omega-3 PUFA in reducing elevated triglycerides.

  • Issues with omega-3 PUFA supplement use include safety, dose, and contraindications.

Background

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant health and financial burden to individuals and healthcare systems. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) possess numerous properties (e.g. anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-lipidemic) that may be beneficial in the management of T2DM and its complications.

Methods

In this narrative review, we discuss the potential mechanisms, clinical evidence-base, and practical considerations regarding the use of omega-3 PUFA supplementation for the management of glycaemic control and common comorbid conditions, including diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, liver disease, cognition and mental health, and cardiometabolic disease.

Results/conclusion

Omega-3 PUFA supplementation is generally well-tolerated and does not appear to be contraindicated for patients on anticoagulant therapy; however, uncertainty persists regarding the purity and stability of commercial omega-3 PUFA products. Despite promising animal studies, the current clinical evidence for the use of omega-3 supplementation for the management of T2DM and associated conditions is both limited and conflicting. Results from existing clinical trials do not support the use of omega-3 PUFA for glycaemic control and there are limited studies in T2DM populations to support the use of omega-3 PUFAs for associated complications of diabetes. Possible contributors to the conflicting evidence base are study design issues, such as inadequate intervention period, sample size, omega 3 supplement dose, variations in the EPA to DHA ratio and clinical heterogeneity among diabetic populations.

Abbreviations

PUFA, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid; HDL, High Density Lipoprotein; LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein; ALA, Alpha-linolenic Acid; EPA, Eicosapentaenoic Acid; DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid; DPA, Docosapentaenoic acid; T2DM, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; RCT, Randomized Controlled Trial; HbA1c, Glycated haemoglobin; VLDL, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein; CVD, Cardiovascular Disease; TG, Triglycerides; ALT, Alanine transaminase; AST, Aspartate transaminase; GGT, Gamma-glutamyltransferase; CKD, Chronic Kidney Disease; UPE, Urine Protein Excretion

Tags: Diabetes Omega-3