Effects of PUPA on lipid level in patients with diabetes: hospital based study

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is associated with dyslipidemia; manifested by high levels of triglyceride, LDL and low HDL which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the effect of polyunsaturated fat [PUFA] on the glycemic state and the lipid profile of diabetic patients. A 3 months observational study of 63 type 2 diabetic patients, divided the patients in to PUFA group n. =31 given Omacor [omega-3] 1 capsule /day as a source of n-3 PUFA and control group n. = 32 continued on their routine anti-diabetic medication. Subjects took their routine diet and usual diabetic medication. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of the two groups were assessed pre and post enrolment in the study. 3 months of n-3 PUFA consumption lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in diabetic patients with an increase in HDL level. Although n-3 PUFA improved the lipid profile and the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients yet were of no statistical significance when compared to the initial values of the patients or with the diabetic group who did not have n-3 PUFA. 3 months n-3 PUFA supplementation for type 2 diabetes decreases fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL with an increase in HDL level. Non-statistical significant findings suggest that a longer term clinical trials and /or large sample size are required to conclusively establish the effect of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular risk, lipid profile and outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients