Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Their Role in Insulin Resistance

Insulin’s ability to regulate blood sugar is essential to metabolic health. Insulin resistance can lead to metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as potential supporters of insulin sensitivity, offering promising avenues for managing insulin resistance. 

In this article, we'll explore how incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet may influence insulin resistance and support metabolic health, providing practical advice on increasing omega-3 intake and considerations for supplementation.

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What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that plays a key role in blood glucose regulation by reducing blood sugar levels. After a meal, insulin is released, which causes glucose to be released from the blood and increases its uptake into muscle tissues. It also prevents further glucose production in the liver and inhibits the breakdown of fat cells to help store and conserve energy. 

Insulin resistance occurs when the ability of the liver, muscle, and adipose to respond to insulin becomes impaired. Think of insulin as a text message and the liver, muscle, and adipose as receivers of that text. Insulin resistance disrupts communication so that the texts are sent as usual, but the receivers don’t receive the message and, therefore, cannot respond. This may increase blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), lipid production, and weight gain. 

Hyperglycemia can eventually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.  Insulin resistance is thought to precede this condition by 10-15 years. Insulin resistance is also implicated in other metabolic conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity. 

The causes of insulin resistance are still being explored, but diet and inflammation play major roles. Excess caloric intake can impair insulin signaling and mitochondria function, making weight gain both a cause and effect of insulin resistance (14). Chronic inflammation has also been linked to insulin resistance, directly and indirectly affecting metabolic function (20). 

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated essential fat. There are three major omega 3s that have important health implications: 

• alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) 
• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 
• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

ALA is found in plant-based sources such as flaxseed oil, soybeans, walnuts, chia seeds, and leafy greens, whereas EPA and DHA are primarily found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. 

Biological Functions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3s are long-chain fatty acids that are highly flexible. They are an important component of cell membranes, and their flexibility confers fluidity in the cell walls, which may support cellular homeostasis and enhance communication between cells (20). A fluid, flexible membrane has positive effects on permeability, transport systems within the membrane, and enzyme activity. 

Increased intake of omega 3s has been associated with anti-inflammatory benefits, including potential reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and inflammatory arthritis pain. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Role in Insulin Resistance

Omega 3s offer significant potential in supporting the management of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance through their positive effects on cell membrane structure, cell cycle, and energy supply (20):

• Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats such as omega 3s may reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes (28). 
• Omega 3 fatty acids may increase an important glucose transport molecule, GLUT4, which supports the uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle cells, one of insulin's key functions (19).
• Omega 3s may help to improve fatty acid oxidation, which could reduce excessive build-up of fats, a primary mechanism of insulin resistance (28). 
• Insulin resistance has been linked to chronic inflammation. Therefore, omega 3’s anti-inflammatory properties may help in the management of this condition (20). 

The Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the main ways that omega 3s may reduce inflammation is by changing the fatty acid composition of the cell membrane, potentially reducing the ratio of omega 6s to omega 3s. 

• Omega 6 fatty acids play a key role in human health by stimulating inflammatory processes such as blood clotting, muscle contraction, and immune activity. 
• Omega 3 fatty acids contain components that may help to resolve and reduce inflammation. 

Therefore, when the omega 6:omega three ratio is low, these processes are held in a healthy balance. However, if omega 6 levels far exceed omega 3, as is often the case in the standard American diet, then omega 6’s pro-inflammatory actions may dominate, potentially leading to an increased risk of insulin resistance and other disorders (2). 

Clinical Evidence and Research Findings

Much of the research that supports the use of omega-3s in the management of insulin resistance comes from animal studies. Results from clinical studies have thus far been inconclusive, though observational studies hold more promise: 

• Studies performed on native Alaskan populations and children demonstrated an inverse association between omega-3 intake and insulin resistance markers. 
• One study done on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition associated with insulin resistance, showed a 21% improvement in insulin sensitivity markers with omega-3 supplementation. 

Omega-3 Supplementation and Diabetes Prevention

Multiple studies have indicated that omega-3 supplementation may support better diabetes outcomes. Here are a couple of examples: 

• A study performed on type 2 diabetes patients showed improvements in fasting blood glucose when participants were placed on a high omega-3 diet. 
• Another study looked at the effects of omega-3 supplementation on women with gestational diabetes and found a positive effect on the expression of genes involved in insulin, inflammation, and glycemic control. 

Findings from these and other studies suggest that incorporating foods high in omega 3s and/or supplementing with these essential fatty acids can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive diabetes management plan. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for individual health needs. 

Incorporating Omega-3 Fatty Acids into Your Diet

To boost omega-3 intake, consider including at least 2 servings of fatty fish per week, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines. Add plant-based sources like walnuts, flaxseeds, chia, and hemp seeds into meals or snacks. Including these foods regularly can provide a significant amount of omega-3s to support overall health and well-being.

Considerations for Omega-3 Supplementation

When considering omega-3 supplements, opt for those containing both EPA and DHA, the most beneficial forms of omega-3s. Dosages may vary depending on individual health needs, but a typical recommendation ranges from 500-1800 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA daily. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen.

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Key Takeaways

• Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet or through supplementation may hold promise for supporting insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. 
• By enhancing cell function, reducing inflammation, and promoting better fat metabolism, omega-3s offer a valuable strategy for supporting the management of insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions. 
• With proper guidance and dietary adjustments, individuals can potentially support their health and enhance overall well-being.