Omega-3: A Friend to the Heart. Could It Disrupt Blood Sugar?

February 2, 2026
libyawire
Science
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Omega-3 supplements, also known as fish oil, contain a type of fat found in fatty fish and seafood such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Scientific study results on the effect of daily omega-3 supplement intake on blood sugar levels show mixed outcomes, generally pointing towards a limited or almost negligible effect.

Unclear Impact on Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels, resulting from a dysfunction in insulin production or the body’s response to it, are the main characteristic of diabetes, a chronic disease that, if not controlled, can lead to serious complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

Given the severity and chronic nature of the disease, extensive research has been conducted to study the role of certain dietary supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, both in preventing diabetes and as a supplement to traditional drug therapy. However, the results of this research have remained inconsistent.

While some studies have suggested that omega-3 supplements may help lower blood sugar levels, other studies have found no significant effect.

What Do Scientific Studies Say?

One study highlighting this discrepancy was published in 2024 in the scientific journal “Current Nutrition Reports” and reviewed 30 randomized clinical trials involving adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Participants received omega-3 supplements in various doses and types for periods ranging from 6 weeks to 12 months.

The results showed a decrease in fasting blood sugar in some participants, while no change occurred in others.

This variation was attributed to several factors, including the number of participants, study duration, patient age, duration of diabetes, and supplement dosage.

Is It Recommended to Take Omega-3 Supplements?

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of omega-3 supplements for improving blood sugar control. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association does not generally recommend their use for people with diabetes or those with prediabetes.

However, some evidence suggests that omega-3 may be beneficial for improving heart health in people with diabetes, especially in those with high cholesterol or other cardiac risk factors. For this reason, a doctor may recommend them based on individual circumstances.

Consulting a Doctor is Essential

It is always advised to consult a doctor before starting to take omega-3 supplements, as they may interact with certain medications like blood thinners. Their side effects are often mild and include:

An unpleasant taste.
Bad breath.
Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn.

salmon

Salmon are not a specific place or cultural site but a type of fish with immense cultural and historical significance for many Indigenous peoples, particularly along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. For thousands of years, salmon have been a vital food source and are central to spiritual traditions, art, and identity, with fishing practices and ceremonies deeply tied to the annual salmon runs.

mackerel

“Mackerel” is not a place or cultural site, but a common name for various species of pelagic fish. Historically, mackerel have been a vital food source and an important part of coastal fishing economies and culinary traditions in many regions, such as in Scandinavia, Japan, and the Mediterranean.

tuna

Tuna is a common name for several species of large, fast-swimming fish in the family Scombridae, which have been a vital food source for coastal human societies for millennia. Historically, tuna fishing has been central to cultures around the world, from ancient Mediterranean civilizations to Japan, where techniques like traditional pole-and-line fishing have been practiced for centuries. Today, tuna remains economically and culturally significant, though many species are threatened by overfishing.

Current Nutrition Reports

“Current Nutrition Reports” is a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes review articles on contemporary topics in nutritional science. It was established to provide evidence-based updates on research areas such as dietary patterns, clinical nutrition, and public health. The journal serves as a resource for researchers and practitioners to stay informed on the latest developments in the field.

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is a leading nonprofit health organization founded in 1940, dedicated to diabetes research, advocacy, and public education. Its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes while improving the lives of all people affected by the disease.