Krill Oil May Help Fat Tissue Function Better in Diabetic Mice

This laboratory study looked at how krill oil affects fat tissue (white adipose tissue) in mice with type 2 diabetes. Fat tissue that isn’t working properly is a major driver of insulin resistance, and one reason it malfunctions is that immune cells called macrophages shift into an inflammatory ‘M1’ state within the tissue.

Mice with type 2 diabetes were given krill oil for six months. The treated mice had lower fasting blood sugar, less insulin resistance, and healthier-functioning fat tissue compared to untreated diabetic mice. Researchers also found fewer inflammatory M1 macrophages present in the fat tissue of krill oil-treated animals.

In follow-up lab experiments using cells, krill oil reduced the shift of macrophages toward the inflammatory M1 state and lowered their production of inflammatory signals and resistin (a hormone linked to insulin resistance). It also increased adiponectin (a hormone that supports healthy metabolism) and improved the ability of fat cells to store lipids properly.