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Can Omega-3 Supplements Trigger Diabetes?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015
Question: SHOULD A TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENT TAKE OMEGA 3-ACID ETHYL ESTER CAPSULES USP FOR TRIGLYCHRIDES(SP) AT 300 LEVEL. HAD RECENT SPIKE OF BLOOD SUGAR TO 197? TYPICALLY BLOOD SUGAR IS IN 80-120 RANGE....COULD OMEGA NOTED ABOVE HAVE SUCH AN IMPACT?

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Answered by Dr. Praveen Jeyapathy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes. It can.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for writing to HCM. Noted your concern. Well, omega 3 can increase blood glucose levels. Its actually not indicated at a level of 300 or so. It can be used when its over 500. Normally medications like fenofibrate or gemfibrozil are used to decrease triglycerides when levels exceed 450 or so. It is also important to control blood glucose levels and have a normal thyroid function as well. Abstinence from alcohol surely helps. In my opinion, you should stop omega 3 and reassess in a month. If its over 450 consider using fenofibrate tablets. I will be glad to answer any other queries. Warm regards.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Praveen Jeyapathy

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 324 Questions

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Can Omega-3 Supplements Trigger Diabetes?

Brief Answer: Yes. It can. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing to HCM. Noted your concern. Well, omega 3 can increase blood glucose levels. Its actually not indicated at a level of 300 or so. It can be used when its over 500. Normally medications like fenofibrate or gemfibrozil are used to decrease triglycerides when levels exceed 450 or so. It is also important to control blood glucose levels and have a normal thyroid function as well. Abstinence from alcohol surely helps. In my opinion, you should stop omega 3 and reassess in a month. If its over 450 consider using fenofibrate tablets. I will be glad to answer any other queries. Warm regards.