ALA on Glycemic Control in T2DM Participants

The Effect of Alpha-Linolenic Acid on Glycemic Control in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes

With the emerging worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes, dietary recommendations to improve diabetes management have been emphasized in the scientific community. Particular attention has been drawn to various benefits of replacing saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid, the only omega-3 fatty acid that is from plant sources, has been suggested by animal and cell studies to play a beneficial role in regulating blood glucose levels. However, human studies have been more inconsistent with their findings. The focus of this project is to investigate the evidence in the context of ALA and blood glucose parameters in participants with type 2 diabetes by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Controlled, randomized, clinical trials
• Trials greater than one month
• Focusing on ALA and T2DM participants
• Viable endpoint data

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-human studies
• Non-random treatment allocation
• Less than 1 month
• Lack of suitable control
• Lack of endpoint data