Omega-3 index and type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #asian-people #case-control-studies #diabetes-mellitus-type-2

Omega-3 index and type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Ma et al., 2021 | Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ma Mu-Yuan, Li Ke-Lei, ... Wang Ling. Omega-3 index and type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2021-Nov;174:102361. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102361

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between omega-3 index and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not well established. It is unclear if the change of omega-3 index will affect T2D. Aiming of the present systematic review was to elucidate the correlation between omega-3 index and T2D. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive search on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science (from 1948 to May 2021) was conducted. The overall effect size (standard mean difference) was combined using a random-effect model. RESULTS: Eight eligible case-control studies were identified, and there were 1,357 patients with T2D and 1,616 non-diabetic controls. The result showed that the omega-3 index was significantly lower in diabetic cases than that in controls (SMD= -1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.40, -1.22), but with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.0%). In subgroup analysis based on race, a negative correlation was found in Asians (SMD = -1.71; 95% CI: -1.82, -1.60), and heterogeneity was substantially decreased (I2=0). CONCLUSIONS: omega-3 index is negatively correlated with T2D, which indicated that increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids might have beneficial on T2D prevention.

Key Findings

Eight eligible case-control studies were identified, and there were 1,357 patients with T2D and 1,616 non-diabetic controls. The result showed that the omega-3 index was significantly lower in diabetic cases than that in controls (SMD= -1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.40, -1.22), but with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.0%). In subgroup analysis based on race, a negative correlation was found in Asians (SMD = -1.71; 95% CI: -1.82, -1.60), and heterogeneity was substantially decreased (

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population t2d and 1
Sample Size 1357
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asian People
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Eating
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09