Free fatty acid effects in type 2 diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Repositioning omega-3 fatty acids for treatment of glycaemia and cardiometabolic disease
IRAS ID
365244
Contact name
Aine McKillop
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Background: The worldwide increase in obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) demands a greater understanding of preventive approaches and treatments, limiting the progression to poor health outcomes. Omega-3 polyunsaturated-fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid (A-LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have well recognised beneficial effects on cardiovascular health but there is limited evidence of its effects on glycaemic control. Therapies that target G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), such as GPR120 and GPR40 act as sensors for PUFAs and can lower glucose and stimulate gut hormones, known as incretins. Our pre-clinical studies indicate that targeting GPR120 and GPR40 with omega-3 fatty acids can slow the progression of inflammatory metabolic diseases such as prediabetes and T2DM, and that early intervention using nutrition therapy can improve metabolic control.
Study Aim: To investigate the preventative and therapeutic potential of omega-3 compounds, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy, by assessing metabolic effects in a clinical trial involving individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Study Design: This physiological study is a placebo-controlled, single-dose strength, partially-blinded, stratified randomised control design, which will assess the metabolic effects of oral administration of natural omega-3 fatty acids (ALA/EPA/DHA) as monotherapy treatment or in combination with approved anti-diabetic drug Semaglutide, compared to placebo in subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Outcome measures: Change in fasting glucose/insulin from baseline after 28 days of treatment (primary), glucose tolerance, gut hormone concentrations and cardiovascular risk markers.
Application: If the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids is shown to be successful in improving metabolic control and enhancing incretin response, this may offer a potential therapeutic avenue to slow or inhibit the progression of metabolic disease.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
26/ES/0021
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion