Key Findings
It is known that there is a relationship between inflammatory activity and the presence of type 1 diabetes-associated complications such as retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to be beneficial through the promotion of greater insulin sensitivity and improved glucose metabolism. These fatty acids decrease inflammation by altering the transcription of genes involved in the inflammatory response (e.g., NF-kB, INF-γ) and by competing with the binding of omega-6 fatty acids to enzymes involved in the synthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids.
Here the authors aimed to study the differences between the fatty acid profiles in children with inaugural type 1 diabetes, diabetic children (at least 1 year after diagnosis), and healthy children. The results showed that children with diabetes had higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA, as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This observation is attributed to pharmacological therapy and nutritional management of these children. Indeed, knowing the crucial role of food in the treatment and control of type 1 diabetes is part of the follow-up of these patients, which is supposed to review and guide them from a nutritional point of view. Note that the fatty acid profile of diabetic children appears to be healthier than that of children in their inaugural episode as well as healthy children, leading the authors to highlight the importance of early nutritional intervention. It is also noted that “healthy” children show high levels of saturated fatty acids, as well as an omega-6/omega-3 ratio that is much higher than recommended.
ABSTRACT:
CONTEXT: Several studies have shown a link between proinflammatory activity and the presence or deficit of some fatty acids. Inflammation is associated with several diseases including diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To characterize and compare the fatty acids profiles in children with inaugural type 1 diabetes, diabetic children (at least 1 year after diagnosis), and healthy children. DESIGN: Plasma fatty acids profiles in children with inaugural diabetes, children with noninaugural diabetes, and controls, all of whom were prepubescent with a BMI < 85th percentile, were evaluated. RESULTS: Omega-3 fatty acid levels were higher in recently diagnosed subjects with diabetes than in controls. The ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids was higher in the control population. Omega-6 fatty acid levels were higher in the nonrecent diabetic subjects than in the children with recently diagnosed diabetes, and the levels were higher in the nonrecent diabetes group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA, as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in diabetic children. These findings reinforce the importance of precocious nutritional attention and intervention in the treatment of diabetic children.
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