The Potential Role of Fatty Acids in Treating Diabetic Neuropathy

AbstractPurpose of reviewThis 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 findingsPre-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, ca n 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.SummaryOmega-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.
Source: Current Diabetes Reports - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research