Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Clinical Trial to Study Gender Difference in Type 2 Diabetes

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Researchers at Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle have found evidence that women may be less prone to type 2 diabetes than men when exposed to omega-3 fats.

PHD candidate Kylie Abbott conducted a cross-sectional study has found that omega-3 fats improve levels of insulin resistance in women, but not in men.

 “By targeting insulin resistance we might be able to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in the first place,” Ms Abbott said.

A clinical trial is due to be conducted over the course of 3 months in order to understand why there is such a difference between genders.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be aged 18-70 with a Body Mass Index of 25-45kg/m2, have no previous diagnosis of diabetes and must not eat more than two serves of oil fish per week.


Photo Courtesy of John Gollings