Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2026

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
Published on: March 7, 2025
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Diabetes - A Review of Current Evidence
Rachel A Wattick1,2, Tara B McNabb3, Alana G Hudson4,5
1Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, West Virginia University School of Medicine, PO Box 9350, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA. rawattick@hsc.wvu.edu.
Purpose Of Review:
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes. This review examines recent evidence on the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes.
Recent Findings:
Cardiovascular outcomes trials demonstrate heterogeneous effects of omega-3 supplementation. High-dose purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has reduced cardiovascular events in selected high-risk populations, whereas low-dose combined EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) formulations have generally shown limited benefit. Omega-6 fatty acid evidence remains more limited, with most studies evaluating lipid markers rather than clinical cardiovascular outcomes. More investigation is needed into the potential benefits and optimal formulation of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes. Omega-6 fatty acids appear neutral or beneficial when replacing saturated fats, but their effects on clinical cardiovascular outcomes among individuals with diabetes remain uncertain. Future research should prioritize diabetes-specific trials examining patient characteristics, background diet, fatty acid formulation, dose, and long-term safety.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology