A randomised clinical trial in adults with type 2 diabetes, published in 2025 as a study in Scientific reports , looked at the daily combination of multi-strain probiotics with omega-3 fatty acids for eight weeks. The researchers observed a modest improvement in pancreatic beta-cell function, as well as clear decreases in fasting glucose, a key inflammatory marker, and weight and waist circumference.
In people with type 2 diabetes, these changes point to somewhat more efficient glucose metabolism and a less active inflammatory environment. This is not a cure, but small physiological adjustments that, if sustained over time, can add up along with medication and lifestyle habits.
What the study did with probiotics and omega 3 in people with type 2 diabetes
The work involved 45 adults with type 2 diabetes and reduced function of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. All were on standard treatment with insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs and also received dietary and physical activity guidelines.
For eight weeks, one group took a multi-strain probiotic and long-chain omega-3 preparation and another group took an identical-looking placebo. The main objective was to see if the combination improved beta-cell function, as measured by a mathematical model that integrates glucose, insulin and C-peptide.
The authors found a modest improvement in beta function over baseline in the group taking probiotics and omega-3, although the difference versus placebo did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, the results were clearer for secondary parameters such as fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, body weight, waist circumference and levels of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha.
Reduced glucose, inflammation and weight, what these changes mean in practice
In the group taking probiotics and omega-3s, fasting glucose dropped by about 22 per cent over eight weeks, while in the placebo group it barely changed. Insulin sensitivity, as measured by the HOMA 2 index, also improved in the active group and tended to worsen in the placebo group.
In addition, small but consistent reductions in weight, body mass index and waist circumference were observed in those receiving the combination, compared to a slight gain in the placebo group. Waist circumference is a practical indicator of abdominal fat, which is associated with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.
On the inflammatory level, only tumour necrosis factor-alpha, a classic mediator of chronic low-grade inflammation, was significantly reduced in the group taking probiotics and omega-3. Other markers, such as interleukins and interferon, remained stable. Overall, the changes were modest, but consistent with a somewhat more favourable metabolic environment.
How omega-3 fatty acids fit into this physiological pathway
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are involved in the regulation of inflammation and insulin signalling. They are incorporated into cell membranes and serve as precursors for molecules that can modulate the inflammatory response.
In the context of type 2 diabetes, chronic low-grade inflammation associated with excess visceral fat promotes insulin resistance. Omega-3s have been studied for their ability to displace inflammatory mediators derived from other fatty acids in favour of derivatives with a more resolving profile. This does not eliminate inflammation, but may help to make it less aggressive towards tissues.
The Scientific Reports study adds to this line by showing that, when combined with probiotics, omega-3s are associated with lower fasting glucose, improved insulin sensitivity and a decrease in an inflammatory marker. Although beta-cell function was not clearly improved against placebo, the set of changes points to a somewhat more orderly metabolic physiology.
Gut microbiota, probiotics and glucose metabolism
The gut microbiota, the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the gut, influences how we handle glucose and fat. Changes in its composition have been linked to insulin resistance and increased systemic inflammation.
Probiotics provide specific strains of bacteria that, if they are able to integrate at least transiently, can produce short-chain fatty acids, strengthen the gut barrier and modulate the immune response. These short-chain fatty acids act on receptors that influence inflammation and insulin sensitivity.
In the trial analysed, the combination of probiotics and omega-3 appears to have acted at several levels, gut, inflammation, adipose tissue and insulin response. The authors suggest that the synergy between microbiota and membrane lipids may explain why the combination shows effects where isolated omega-3s have shown more discrete results in other trials.
Daily habits supporting metabolic efficiency and glucose control
Beyond any supplementation, the management of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance rests on well-known pillars. The first is diet, with a preference for vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and quality fat sources such as oily fish and olive oil.
The second pillar is regular movement. Brisk walking, strength exercises several times a week and reduced sitting improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue. Even short blocks of movement after meals help to buffer glucose spikes.
Sufficient night’s rest and stress management also count. Short or fragmented sleep and sustained stress raise hormones such as cortisol, which interfere with insulin action. Regular sleep routines, breathing techniques or relaxing activities can contribute to a more stable hormonal environment.
How an omega-3 supplement can fit into this overall strategy
In this context, omega-3 fatty acids from the diet or from food supplements are positioned to support the physiological processes involved in inflammation and metabolism. The study in Scientific Reports adds another piece by showing that, in adults with type 2 diabetes, the presence of omega-3s in a combined intervention is associated with lower fasting glucose, improved insulin sensitivity and a slight decrease in weight and waistline.
For an adult who is already taking care of their diet, staying active and following their medical treatment, an omega-3 supplement can be an additional tool to support a more stable metabolic environment. The key is to understand it as part of a comprehensive strategy, not as a substitute for the basic pillars or prescribed medication.
How Nutribiolite OMEGA 3 EPA 400 mg + DHA 300 mg fits in with this evidence
Nutribiolite OMEGA 3 EPA 400 mg + DHA 300 mg focuses precisely on providing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, the same types of omega-3s that are used as the basis for clinical trials on metabolism, inflammation and cardiometabolic health. The combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in concentrated doses aims to ensure a stable daily intake, which is difficult to achieve with oily fish alone in many diets today.
In the Nutribiolite formulation, EPA and DHA are presented as a dietary supplement intended for adults who wish to specifically support their inflammatory balance and their lipid and glycaemic metabolism within a healthy routine. The evidence from the study in Scientific Reports, although conducted with an intervention that also included probiotics, reinforces the interest in these fatty acids when it comes to supporting a more efficient insulin response and a less active inflammatory environment.
The EPA and DHA-focused design allows OMEGA 3 EPA 400 mg + DHA 300 mg to be easily integrated into everyday life, for example alongside a main meal. It is intended for people who already follow dietary measures, move regularly and are looking for additional support at a physiological level, consistent with current scientific literature on omega-3 and metabolic efficacy.
A concentrated omega-3 supplement designed for adults who wish to support inflammatory balance and metabolic efficiency within a healthy routine.
Bottom line, small, sustained changes for more efficient metabolism
The trial with probiotics and omega-3 in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that it is possible to achieve discrete improvements in fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, weight and inflammatory markers in just eight weeks. These are not dramatic changes, but they are consistent with physiology moving in a more favourable direction.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA appear as important pieces in this puzzle, along with microbiota, diet, movement and rest. Integrating omega-3 sources, either with oily fish or with supplements such as OMEGA 3 EPA 400 mg + DHA 300 mg, can be a sensible decision within an overall metabolic care strategy.
This content is informative and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean that the study reported moderate efficacy on pancreatic function?
Pancreatic beta-cell function improved from baseline in the group taking probiotics and omega-3, but the difference versus placebo was not clear. This indicates an interesting, but not yet conclusive, modest effect.
Can omega-3s alone improve blood glucose?
Trials with omega-3s alone have shown variable results in glucose and type 2 diabetes. The above study suggests that, combined with probiotics and good habits, they may be associated with a somewhat more efficient metabolism, but only as a support and not as a sole measure.
For whom might a concentrated omega-3 supplement make sense?
It may be an option for adults who consume little oily fish, wish to support their inflammatory balance and cardiometabolic health, and already take care of diet and exercise. It should always be integrated into a healthy routine and respect the indications on the label.
How long does it usually take to notice changes with omega-3?
In the study, changes were observed after eight weeks of daily use. In practice, consistent intake over several months is recommended to assess general feelings of well-being and analytical results, always under professional monitoring when a metabolic condition exists.
Is it enough to take omega 3 if I am at metabolic risk or have type 2 diabetes?
No. The main focus remains adapted nutrition, regular movement, adequate rest and medical treatment. An omega 3 supplement such as OMEGA 3 EPA 400 mg + DHA 300 mg can be added as physiological support within this comprehensive plan.
