Researchers discovered that krill oil, a supplement made from tiny shrimp-like creatures, may help people with type 2 diabetes by fixing problems in their fat tissue. When mice with diabetes took krill oil for six months, their blood sugar levels dropped and their bodies handled insulin better. The key finding was that krill oil reduced harmful immune cells in fat tissue that were causing damage. This suggests krill oil could become a helpful treatment for diabetes, though more research in humans is needed before doctors recommend it widely.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether krill oil supplements could improve how fat tissue works in mice with type 2 diabetes and reduce blood sugar problems
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were given type 2 diabetes, then treated with krill oil supplements for six months
  • Key finding: Mice that received krill oil had significantly lower blood sugar levels, better insulin response, and fewer harmful immune cells in their fat tissue compared to untreated mice
  • What it means for you: Krill oil shows promise as a potential supplement for diabetes management, but this research was done in mice. Humans would need separate studies before we know if it works the same way in people. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements.

The Research Details

Scientists created type 2 diabetes in laboratory mice, then gave some mice krill oil supplements while others received no treatment. They studied this for six months, measuring blood sugar levels, how well insulin worked, and examining the fat tissue under microscopes. They also did experiments in test tubes where they treated immune cells with krill oil to see how it affected them directly. This two-part approach—studying whole animals and isolated cells—helped them understand both what krill oil does and how it might work.

Understanding how krill oil affects the immune system and fat tissue is important because type 2 diabetes develops when fat tissue stops working properly and the body can’t use insulin effectively. By studying the specific immune cells involved, researchers can figure out exactly what krill oil does and whether it could become a real treatment option.

This study was published in a respected nutrition research journal. The researchers used both living animals and laboratory experiments to test their ideas, which strengthens their findings. However, because this was done only in mice, we can’t automatically assume the same results would happen in humans. The study didn’t specify how many mice were used, which makes it harder to evaluate the strength of the results.

What the Results Show

Mice that received krill oil for six months showed significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels compared to mice that didn’t receive the supplement. Their bodies also became better at using insulin to control blood sugar, meaning their insulin resistance improved. When researchers examined the fat tissue, they found fewer of a specific type of harmful immune cell called M1-polarized macrophages, which are known to damage fat tissue and contribute to diabetes. The krill oil appeared to work by preventing these immune cells from becoming activated and harmful.

In addition to reducing harmful immune cells, krill oil improved how fat cells stored fat and released energy. The supplement also increased levels of a helpful protein called adiponectin, which helps the body use insulin better. It decreased levels of resistin, a protein that makes insulin resistance worse. In test-tube experiments, when krill oil was added to immune cells that were being activated to become harmful, it prevented that activation from happening.

Previous research showed that krill oil has anti-inflammatory properties, but scientists weren’t sure if it could help with diabetes specifically. This study builds on that knowledge by showing a specific way krill oil might help—by controlling immune cell behavior in fat tissue. The findings align with other research suggesting that controlling inflammation in fat tissue is important for treating type 2 diabetes.

This research was conducted only in mice, not humans, so we don’t know yet if the same benefits would occur in people. The study didn’t specify the exact number of mice used or provide detailed information about how the study was designed, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results are. The study lasted six months in mice, but we don’t know how long benefits might last in humans or what the right dose would be. More research is needed to determine if krill oil would be safe and effective as a diabetes treatment in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, krill oil shows potential as a supplement that might help with type 2 diabetes management. However, confidence in this recommendation is low because the study was only in mice. Before considering krill oil supplements, people with diabetes should talk to their doctor. This research suggests krill oil might be worth studying further in humans, but it’s not yet proven as a diabetes treatment.

People with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for developing it may find this research interesting. However, this study is too early-stage to recommend krill oil as a treatment. People currently taking diabetes medications should not change their treatment based on this research alone. Anyone considering krill oil supplements should consult their healthcare provider first, especially if they take blood thinners or have shellfish allergies.

In the mouse study, benefits appeared over a six-month period. If similar effects occurred in humans, it would likely take weeks to months to see improvements in blood sugar control. However, this timeline is speculative since human studies haven’t been done yet.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user’s doctor approves krill oil supplementation, track daily krill oil intake (dose and time) alongside fasting blood sugar readings taken at the same time each morning to monitor any changes over 8-12 weeks
  • Users could set a daily reminder to take krill oil at the same time each day (such as with breakfast) and log it in the app to build consistency and track adherence to supplementation
  • Create a weekly summary view comparing blood sugar trends before and after starting supplementation, with notes on other lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, stress) that might affect results. Share monthly reports with healthcare provider to guide treatment decisions.

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. Krill oil is not currently an approved medical treatment for type 2 diabetes. Anyone with diabetes should continue taking prescribed medications and not make changes based on this research alone. Before starting any new supplement, including krill oil, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you take blood thinners, have shellfish allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This summary is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.