Investigating the role of omega-3 fatty acids in treating nerve damage from diabetes

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to repair nerve damage caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), particularly in veterans with type 2 diabetes. The study aims to determine whether the source of omega-3s, such as fish oil, influences their effectiveness in promoting nerve repair. By examining the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of specific omega-3 metabolites, the research seeks to establish a new treatment pathway for DPN, which currently has limited options. Patients may be involved in clinical trials that assess the impact of these fatty acids on their nerve health.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Iowa City VA Medical Center
  Iowa City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Yorek, Mark a. — Iowa City VA Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Yorek, Mark a.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Gut bacterial vesicles and diabetic nerve damage

  This work looks at whether tiny particles released by gut bacteria can protect nerves and ease numbness and pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

  NIH research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11286790

• Restoring sensation in amputated limbs for veterans with diabetic neuropathy

  This study is looking to help veterans who have lost lower limbs due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy by using special electrodes to create sensations that feel like they're coming from their missing foot, which could improve their daily activities and overall limb health.

  NIH research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11262790

• Wearable vibration to improve movement and reduce pain in diabetic nerve damage

  A wearable vibration device is tested for four weeks to help adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk better and experience less pain.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11226229

• Improving walking and reducing foot pressure for people with diabetic nerve damage

  This project tries real-time biofeedback to change how adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk so they have lower harmful foot pressure and better walking speed.

  NIH research Florida Institu /human/machine Cognition · Pensacola, United States · NIH-11168786

• Exploring how gut bacteria affect nerve damage in diabetes

  This study is looking at how tiny particles from gut bacteria might help protect nerves in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a common issue for those with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to improve nerve health through better gut health.

  NIH research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11046549

• Investigating how tau phosphorylation affects nerve damage in diabetes

  This study is looking into how problems with insulin and a protein called tau affect nerve health in people with Type 1 Diabetes, with the hope of finding new ways to ease the pain and improve life for those dealing with diabetic nerve issues.

  NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-10980022

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.