Elevated Plasma Glucose and Lowered Triglyceride Levels From Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Type II Diabetes

Abstract

We studied the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (omega 3FA) on glucose homeostasis and lipoprotein levels in eight type II (non-insulin-dependent)-diabetic subjects ingesting 8 g/day omega 3FA for 8 wk as marine-lipid concentrate capsules. After omega 3FA supplementation, fasting plasma glucose levels increased 22% (P = .005) and meal-stimulated glucose increased 35% (P = .036). The percentage of glucose elevation correlated with percentage ideal body weight (r = .73, P = .04). No significant changes were seen in fasting or meal-stimulated plasma insulin, glucose disposal, or insulin-to-glucagon ratios. Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels showed consistent reductions of 56% (P less than .001) and 42% (P less than .001), respectively, after omega 3FA supplementation. Total cholesterol levels decreased 7% (P less than .05) without alteration in low- or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Thus, omega 3FA supplementation at a dose of 8 g/day significantly improves plasma TG levels but increases fasting and meal-stimulated glucose concentrations in the type II diabetic patient not treated with insulin or sulfonylurea agents. Marine-lipid concentrate capsules supplying large amounts of omega 3FAs should be used cautiously in the type II diabetic patient.

Effect of w3 fatty acid on plasma lipids, cholesterol and lipoprotein fatty acid content in NIDDM patients

“…With a daily intake of 7-8 g/day of fish oil, the mean reduction in plasma triacylglycerol after 3 months of fish oil consumption was 29.1 and 29.9 % for low and high P/S participants, respectively. This observation is comparable to the reduction in triacylglycerol levels observed after NIDDM patients received 8 g of w 3 fatty acids for 8 weeks [26]. In the present study, ingestion of 18:3w3 by NIDDM patients did not reduce plasma triacylglycerol levels.…”

“…Research results suggest that insulin sensitivity is increased after the addition of 3 g of w 3 fatty acid to the diet of NIDDM patients for 8 weeks [25]. In other NIDDM patients, ingesting 8 g/day of w 3 fatty acids reduced VLDL cholesterol and plasma triacylglycerol levels by 56 and 42 %, respectively [26]. The LDL and HDL cholesterol level was not affected; however, the w 3 fatty acid supplementation increased both the fasting and postprandial plasma glucose level.…”

Influence of fish oil supplementation on in vivo and in vitro oxidation resistance of low-density lipoprotein in type 2 diabetes

“…Some studies have observed an increase in blood glucose in type 2-diabetes after fish oil supplementation (Friday et al, 1989;Vessby et al, 1992). However, a newly published metaanalysis based in 12 studies conducted on type 2 diabetic patients concluded that fish oil did not raise either blood glucose level or HbA 1c (Montori et al, 2000).…”

Adipose tissue fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in elderly men

“…The marine fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been associated with diverse effects on glucose metabolism. Some studies have observed adverse associations to insulin sensitivity [5,[9][10][11], although other studies have not [12].…”