The Effects of Physical Activity and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Glucose Levels and Neuropathy Symptoms in Hispanic Diabetics in the “En Balancé Plus” Study
Authors: Patel Dipal 
Published: June 2021

Background

Diabetes is an important global public health burden. In the U.S., 8.3% of the population (i.e. 25.8 million individuals) have diabetes. Hispanic Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes at 11.8% compared to non‐Hispanic whites. People with type‐2 diabetes often have developed an intolerance to insulin. For these individuals, healthy dieting and exercise, insulin therapy and proper medication will help to control and treat their diabetes. If not treated early, then diabetes affects many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Controlling blood sugar levels can help prevent these complications. Aerobic and resistance exercise have been shown to be the most effective exercise regimen for diabetics to reduce neuropathy symptoms and lower glycemic levels, and slow down the damage to other organs. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be effective in decreasing glucose levels as well. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of physical activity and omega 3 fatty acid intake on the hemoglobin A1C levels and neuropathy symptoms in Hispanic diabetic patients.

Methods

Prospective three‐month study with 40 participants (male=16, female= 24). To evaluate the physical activity, participants were surveyed using the Arizona Physical Activity Frequency questionnaire at baseline and three months. The pain intensity of the participants was measured at baseline and three month using the short form of the McGill pain questionnaire which displayed a pain diagram. Both questionnaires were administered in Spanish. A 12‐hour fasting was required for the blood glucose concentration and lipid profiles which were analyzed. The fasting glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C levels were evaluated at the blood draw clinic and later analyzed at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. The participants attended a total of six nutritional and exercise classes conducted in Spanish for a total contact time of approximately 12 hours. The participants were followed up at 3 months. This case‐only design was funded by NIH and approved by the Loma Linda University Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Results

There was a significant reduction in Hb A1C level (mean= −0.55%, p=0.01), neuropathy pain intensity (mean= −0.29%, p=0.004), glucose intake (mean=−20.67%, p=0.025), and LDL level (mean=−7.2%, p= 0.042), There was a significant reduction in triglyceride values (mean= −4.45%, P=0.06). Total met hours activities were also increase by 0.65%.

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with a decrease in A1C levels as well as a decrease in pain intensity and neuropathy symptoms. After the intervention, the glucose levels decreased and the reported neuropathy symptoms had lessened in severity according to the McGill's pain questionnaire. Physical Activity with the combination of omega 3 fatty acid pills could be associated with the decrease in neuropathy symptoms and glucose levels.

Support or Funding Information

This case‐only design was funded by NIH and approved by the Loma Linda University Institutional Review Board (IRB).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.