Omega-3s Benefit Type II Diabetics

DENVER—Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) may benefit patients with diabetes, according to a review published in the March issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (105, 3:428-40, 2005) (www.adajournal.org).

Benefits of n-3 LC-PUFAs for Type II diabetics listed in the review include lower prevalence of glucose intolerance in populations consuming large amounts of marine n-3 LC-PUFAs; cardioprotective effects without adverse effects on glucose control and insulin activity; lower risk of primary cardiac arrest; reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly sudden cardiac death; reduced triglyceride levels; increased high-density lipoprotein levels; improved endothelial function; reduced platelet aggregability; and lower blood pressure.

The authors of the review concluded the benefits of n-3 LC-PUFAs outweigh the possible modest increase in low-density lipoprotein levels from consumption of n-3 LC-PUFAs.

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