Diabetes and Gamma linolenic acid Overview

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Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) of the omega-6 family found primarily in plant-based oils such as evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and borage oil. Essential fatty acids can not be produced by the body, and thus have to be obtained from food. These fatty acids are needed for regulation of metabolism, normal brain function, growth and development, and maintenance of reproductive processes.
The recommended dosage of GLA for diabetes is 480 mg per day. However, GLA supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a healthcare provider since these may have side effects and interactions with medications. GLA supplements should not be used during pregnancy because they may be harmful to the fetus and induce early labor.

GLA is especially helpful for diabetic patients since it helps the nerves to function properly and helps prevent peripheral neuropathy the symptoms of which are numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or lack of sensation in the feet and/or legs.

To compare the effects of a placebo and GLA on individuals suffering from mild diabetic neuropathy, researchers at UMDS, UK, conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study of GLA at a dose of 480 mg/day on 111 patients. 16 parameters including hot and cold thresholds, sensation, tendon reflexes, and muscle strength were assessed by standard tests in upper and lower limbs. The study published in the Diabetic Care journal concluded that for all parameters, the change over one year in response to GLA was significantly more favorable than the change experienced with the placebo, and thus had a beneficial effect on individuals suffering with diabetic neuropathy.

References

1. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, Walker J, Jamal GA, Weir AI, Henderson LM, Bissessar EA, Watkins PJ, Sampson M, et al.: Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group. Diabetes Care. 1993 Jan; 16(1):8-15
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8380765
3. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gamma-linolenic-000305.htm