Eicosapentaenoic acid improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in overweight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a double-blind randomised clinical trial

Abstract

MeThODs This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial was conducted on a total of 67 overweight patients with T2DM for a duration of three months. Of these 67 patients, 32 received 2 g purified EPA daily, while 35 received a placebo of 2 g corn oil daily. The patients' fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin sensitivity indices were assessed.ResUlTs After three months of EPA supplementation, the group that received EPA showed significant decreases in FPG (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.032), when compared to the placebo group. EPA supplementation resulted in decreased serum insulin levels, with the levels between the EPA and placebo groups showing a significant difference (p = 0.004). CONClUsIONThe results of our study indicate that EPA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity. It was able to decrease serum insulin, FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. EPA could have beneficial effects on glycaemic indices in patients with T2DM.

Effects of 6-month eicosapentaenoic acid treatment on postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin secretion ability, and concomitant endothelial dysfunction among newly-diagnosed impaired glucose metabolism patients with coronary artery disease. An open label, single blinded, prospective randomized controlled trial

“…Although a few previous studies have reported that n-3 PUFA improved insulin resistance [10], we did not observe any significant improvement in HOMA-R for the EPA group. There are two possible explanations for this finding.…”

“…These actions enforce the beneficial effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis. However, many previous clinical trials have reported inconsistent results regarding the association of n-3 PUFA intake with the incidence of DM and glycemic control [8–10]. In the present study, we found that EPA treatment resulted in significant improvements in postprandial insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis among patients with IGM and significantly ameliorated the development of DM.…”

“…Laria et al reported that dietary EPA and docosahexaenoic acid did not alter peripheral insulin sensitivity, postprandial glucose disposal, or insulin secretion in insulin-resistant, non-diabetic overweight individual [9]. In contrast, a randomized clinical trial in overweight patients with DM revealed a beneficial effect of purified EPA on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity [10]. Thus, the effect of EPA on the prevention or exacerbation of DM still remains unknown and has not yet been studied in clinical intervention trials in high-risk patients with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM).…”

Effects of n‐3 fatty acid supplements on glycemic traits in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial

“…Furthermore, the only randomized controlled trial in the Asian Indian population in the aforementioned meta‐analysis suggested that n ‐3 PUFA could improve glycemic status. Recently, several randomized controlled trials of n ‐3 PUFA supplements among T2D patients have been conducted in Asian countries (from Iran and Japan) . For example, in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial among 81 T2D patients in Iran, n ‐3 PUFA supplementation for 2 months significantly decreased HbA1c compared with control group .…”

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cancer: lessons learned from clinical trials

“…The authors concluded suggesting that before making recommendations for dietary changes or use of food supplements for prevention of diet-related pathologies, is necessary to map a complete picture of the effects of nutrients on many diseases [250]. Several investigations showed that dietary omega-3 FAs may affect glucose metabolism and plasma lipids both in healthy people and patients with metabolic syndrome [251][252][253][254][255][256][257]. Nevertheless, overall the most representative meta-analysis performed in the last decade showed that omega-3 FA supplementation up to 5 g/day consumed for 3 months do not significantly affect insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis both in healthy subjects and diabetic patients [258][259][260][261][262].…”