PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

This review will summarize recent findings of the effect of supplemental fatty acids, with an emphasis on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as a treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Pre-clinical studies have provided evidence that treating diabetic rodents with δ linolenic acid (omega-6 18:3) and to a greater extent with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (omega-3 20:5 and 22:6, respectively) improve and even reverse vascular and neural deficits. Additional studies have shown resolvins, metabolites of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, can induce neurite outgrowth in neuron cultures and that treating type 1 or type 2 diabetic mice with resolvin D1 or E1 provides benefit for peripheral neuropathy similar to fish oil. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil and their derivatives have anti-inflammatory properties and could provide benefit for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, clinical trials are needed to determine whether this statement is true.

Reference

Yorek MA. The Potential Role of Fatty Acids in Treating Diabetic Neuropathy. Curr Diab Rep. 2018 Aug 25;18(10):86.