Khaberni - High blood sugar due to an insulin production or function disorder, and due to the seriousness of diabetes and its chronic nature, scientists have initiated an extensive and ongoing investigation of the potential role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in preventing diabetes and as an adjunct treatment to conventional medicine.
Omega-3 supplements, also known as fish oil supplements, contain a type of fat found in shellfish and cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, which has anti-inflammatory benefits that some believe could benefit diabetes as it is an inflammatory disease.
Mixed outcomes
However, according to "Free Will Health," scientific studies on the effect of daily omega-3 supplementation on blood glucose (sugar) levels are inconsistent.
Other examples of these studies that examined the uncertain role of daily omega-3 supplementation on blood sugar levels include:
One study conducted in 2022 reviewed 30 randomized controlled trials involving both diabetic and non-diabetic participants. The results showed that taking omega-3 supplements led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels.
However, a study conducted in 2020 that reviewed 12 randomized controlled trials involving just over 800 patients with type 2 diabetes showed that omega-3 supplementation had no effect on blood sugar levels.
And a study conducted in 2019 reviewed a large number of randomized controlled trials totaling 83 trials involving more than 120,000 diabetics and non-diabetics, with an average trial duration of approximately 3 years. The results showed that increased intake of omega-3s, whether from dietary supplements or foods (fish or plants), had little or no effect on blood glucose levels.
So, if you are considering taking omega-3 supplements, consult your doctor first to avoid drug interactions.
