Effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on serum fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major non-communicable health problem that have effects on glycemic status. Oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may improve glycemic status in diabetic patient.

Objective: To observe the effect of supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid on fasting serum glucose (FSG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in type 2 DM.

Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2017. A total numbers of 52 diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients(type-2 DM) of both sexes were selected with age 40 to 50 years. Among them, 27 type 2 diabetic patient with supplementation of omega 3 fatty acid (2g/day) for 12 weeks was considered as study group. Another 25 type 2 diabetic patients without supplementation of omega 3 fatty acid was considered as control group. The study subjects were selected from Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka and personal contact from Dhaka city. FSG was estimated by enzymatic colorimetric method and HbA1c was estimated by turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay method. The study parameters were measured at base line and after 12 weeks of study period in both groups. For statistical analysis, Student’s paired ‘t’ test and Student’s unpaired ‘t’ test were performed as applicable using SPSS for windows version 16.0.

Results: In this study serum FSG and HbA1c levels were significantly lower (p<.001) in diabetic patients after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid in comparison to that of their baseline value. Again, after 12 weeks, FSG and HbA1c levels significantly decreased (p<.001) in omega-3 fatty acid supplemented diabetic patients compared to control group. In control group, there was no significant change in FSG and HbA1c levels between baseline and after 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusion: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that omega-3 fatty acid may improve serum FSG and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patient and may be helpful to minimize the complications of type-2 DM.

J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2019, June; 14(1): 33-37