Pages: 7-24

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of omega 3 and zinc supplementation (both simultaneously and separately) on glycemic indices (fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, HbA1C), serum zinc level, blood pressure, and Body composition in the patients with diabetes type 2. Method: This study is a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 100 patients with diabetes. The patients were divided into four intervention groups: omega 3 group (n=25, a daily 1000 mg of omega-3), zinc group (n=25, 30 mg zinc gluconate), zinc and omega-3 group (n=25), and the placebo group (n=25). Results: There was a significant reduction in the individuals’ weight after intervention in omega 3 and zinc groups (p=0.000 and p=0.038, respectively). Zinc supplementation (by itself or with omega 3) significantly changed the patients’ BMI (p=0.033). Blood pressure has been significantly reduced after intervention in all three groups of intervention with omega 3 and zinc (p<0.001). FBS was reduced in all three groups after intervention; however, this reduction was significant in the zinc group and the zinc and omega 3 group (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). The values of serum insulin were significantly reduced after intervention in all three groups of intervention with omega 3, intervention with zinc, and intervention with omega 3 and zinc (p=0.001, p=0.000, and p=0.002). HBA1C was also significantly reduced after intervention in all three groups of intervention. Conclusion: Omega 3 and zinc supplementation can be useful for improving weight and controlling glycemic as well as blood pressure. The effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic indices are more useful than omega 3.