Due to the seriousness and chronicity of diabetes, scientists have launched an extensive and ongoing investigation into the potential role of supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids<\/a>, in both preventing diabetes and serving as an adjunct to traditional diabetes medications.\n<\/p>\n Despite substantial scientific investigation, results regarding the effect of omega-3 supplementation on blood sugar levels have been inconsistent.\n<\/p>\n Specifically, while some studies have found that omega-3 supplementation<\/a> lowers blood sugar levels, others have reported little to no impact.\n<\/p>\n What Do the Scientific Studies Show? <\/p>\n One example of a study reporting conflicting results on the impact of omega-3 on blood sugar is a 2024 study in\u00a0Current Nutrition Reports.\n<\/p>\n Basics of the study include the following:\n<\/p>\n This study reviewed 30 randomized controlled trials involving participants, primarily adults, with one of three forms of diabetes: type 2 diabetes<\/a>, type 1 diabetes<\/a>, or gestational diabetes<\/a>. Investigators noted that such differences in trial results could be attributable to factors like:\n<\/p>\n Number of participants in each trialTrial durationParticipants’ age and, specifically, how long they have had diabetesDosage of the omega-3 supplement<\/p>\n Other examples of studies addressing the uncertain role of daily omega-3 supplementation on blood sugar levels include:<\/p>\n A 2022 study reviewed 30 randomized controlled trials involving participants with and without diabetes. Results revealed that omega-3 supplementation led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. A 2020 study reviewed 12 randomized controlled trials involving just over 800 adults with type 2 diabetes. Results revealed that\u00a0omega-3 supplementation did not affect blood sugar levels. Should I Take an Omega-3 Supplement? <\/p>\n Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that omega-3 supplements can improve blood glucose control.\n<\/p>\n The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not universally recommend omega-3 supplementation for individuals with diabetes.\n<\/p>\n Omega-3 supplementation is also not formally recommended for individuals with prediabetes<\/a>, a common health condition marked by high blood sugar levels that are not yet elevated enough to fulfill a diagnosis of\u00a0diabetes.\n<\/p>\n All said, there is some evidence, albeit mixed, that omega-3 supplements may improve cardiovascular health in individuals with diabetes and risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol.\n<\/p>\n Given this potential link, your healthcare provider may recommend omega-3 supplements based on your personal heart disease risk factors.<\/p>\n Speak to Your Diabetes Healthcare Provider<\/p>\n Always consult your healthcare provider before starting an omega-3 supplement to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your care. Omega-3 supplements may interact with certain medications, like blood thinners.<\/p>\n If your provider recommends an omega-3 supplement, side effects are generally mild, with common ones being:\n<\/p>\n Unpleasant supplement tasteBad breathGastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn)<\/p>\n Using Diet to Improve Blood Sugar Control <\/p>\n For those with prediabetes or diabetes, the ADA recommends adopting a healthy eating pattern to optimize blood sugar control and prevent diabetes-related complications.\n<\/p>\n While no single diet suits everyone, the Mediterranean diet<\/a> is a good fit for many. First, check in with your healthcare provider.\n<\/p>\n The Mediterranean diet is nonrestrictive, offers tasty choices, and has been found to reduce blood sugar levels.\n<\/p>\n It consists of nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, and lean protein, as well as foods rich in omega-3s from both animal and plant sources, such as fatty fish, olive oil, and walnuts.\n<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Omega-3 supplements: what you need to know<\/a>.<\/p>\n National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements: what the science says<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bayram S\u015e, K\u0131z\u0131ltan G. The role of omega- 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in diabetes mellitus management: a narrative review<\/a>. Curr Nutr Rep. 2024 Sep;13(3):527-551. doi:10.1007\/s13668-024-00561-9<\/p>\n Delpino FM, Figueiredo LM, da Silva BGC, et al. Omega-3 supplementation and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a>. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(16):4435-4448. doi: 10.1080\/10408398.2021.1875977<\/p>\n Gao C, Liu Y, Gan Y, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose control and lipid levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials<\/a>. Lipids Health Dis. 2020 May 8;19(1):87. doi:10.1186\/s12944-020-01214-w<\/p>\n Brown TJ, Brainard J, Song F, Wang X, Abdelhamid A, Hooper L; PUFAH Group. Omega-3, omega-6, and total dietary polyunsaturated fat for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials<\/a>. BMJ. 2019 Aug 21;366:l4697. doi:10.1136\/bmj.l4697<\/p>\n ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. 5.\u00a0Facilitating positive health behaviors and well-being to improve health outcomes: standards of care in diabetes-2023<\/a>.\u00a0Diabetes Care. 2023;46(Supple 1):S68-S96. doi:10.2337\/dc23-S005<\/p>\n Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, et al. REDUCE-IT Investigators. Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia<\/a>. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):11-22. doi:10.1056\/NEJMoa1812792<\/p>\n National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 fatty acids: fact sheet for health professionals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mart\u00edn-Pel\u00e1ez S, Fito M, Castaner O. Mediterranean diet effects on type 2 diabetes prevention, disease progression, and related mechanisms. a review<\/a>. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2236. doi: 10.3390\/nu12082236<\/p>\n
\nParticipants received omega-3 supplements of varying types and doses for six weeks to 12 months.
\nThe trial found that some participants experienced a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels with omega-3 supplementation, whereas others showed no change.<\/p>\n
A 2019 study reviewed 83 randomized controlled trials involving more than 120,000 individuals with and without diabetes. The average trial period lasted nearly three years. Results revealed that increasing omega-3 intake, whether through supplements or foods (fish or plants), had minimal to no effect on blood glucose levels.<\/p>\n![\"Colleen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Colleen-Doherty-MD-660-9d8d5f15b5a8408d91816814d441735b.jpg\")
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