Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 fatty acids is ALA, found in seeds and seed oils. Other important sources are fish oils such as tuna, salmon and herring. Currently, numerous studies suggest possible benefits of essential fatty acids in human health, such as in cardiovascular, cognitive and eye health, and also during pregnancy and childhood. This paper also discusses the impact of fatty acids in human metabolism, and the available evidence regarding its risks. It addresses the relevant debate regarding a general ban of trans fatty acids (TFA) from the world food market, because of the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption.

: Chronic hyperglycemia is an established risk factor for the development of complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but glycemic variability has emerged as a possible independent risk factor for diabetes complications, possibly throughout oxidative stress. In this review we discuss methods to access glycemic variability and oxidative stress, as well as their correlations. We also debate non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies to achieve a better glycemic control, not only by HbA1c target, but also with reduced glycemic fluctuations, possibly minimizing the risk of diabetes complications.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a combination of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism and acne) and anovulation (oligomenorrhea, infertility, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding), with or without the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. It represents the main endocrine disorder in the reproductive age, affecting 6% -15% of women in menacme. It is the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation, and the main source of female infertility. When in the presence of a menstrual disorder, the diagnosis of PCOS is reached in 30% -40% of patients with primary or secondary amenorrhoea and in 80% of patients with oligomenorrhea. PCOS should be diagnosed and treated early in adolescence due to reproductive, metabolic and oncological complications which may be associated with it. Treatment options include drugs, diet and lifestyle improvement.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major public health problem because of its high prevalence and progressive increase of incidence. DM chronic complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality, among which diabetic neuropathy (DN) stands out, affecting 30% -50% of DM patients. An appropriate medical approach, involving anamnesis and thorough clinical examination, is extremely important for the early diagnosis of DN and, therefore, to the prevention of its complications, including the amputation of limbs. Despite of the importance of DN prevention and treatment, in order to provide improved quality of life and longevity to DM patients, current therapeutic options are very limited with respect to both symptom control and as effective disease therapies. Intensive glucose control is extremely important in order to prevent and avoid the progression of DN, as demonstrated in two large multicenter studies involving patients with type 1 DM, the DCCT (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial) and the EDIC (Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications).

Introduction: The incidence of insulin resistance syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased at an alarming rate worldwide and constitutes a serious challenge to public health care in the 21st century. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are defined as “substances or mixtures of substances that alter the endocrine system function[s] and, hence, adversely affect organisms, their progeny, or [sub] populations” and may be associated with this increase in prevalence. Objective: This study aimed to assess the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in insulin resistance and the importance of approaching the subject during anamnesis. Methods: A full review of the literature regarding insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and endocrine disruptors was conducted. Conclusion: Large-scale production and distribution of endocrine disrupting chemicals coincide with the increase in prevalence of insulin resistance globally. In recent years, studies have shown that endocrine disrupting chemicals are positively associated with insulin resistance syndrome, evidenced by worse prognoses among individuals with higher levels of exposure. Health professionals should recognize the forms of exposure, most susceptible people, and lifestyle habits that can worsen patients’ prognoses.