Question

Mark a. Yorek, the potential role of fatty acids in treating diabetic neuropathy, current diabetes reports, 10.1007/s11892-018-1046-9, 18, 10, (2018).

Answer 1

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. Summary 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.