title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Friday
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Childs
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Tsunehara
authors.forename: W Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Bierman
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Ensinck
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001835:Body Weight; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002788:Cholesterol Esters / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood*; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002788:Cholesterol Esters; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol