Researchers tested a special type of fat called 1,3-DAG to see if it could help rats with type 2 diabetes. The rats that ate this fat showed better blood sugar control, lower cholesterol, and healthier gut bacteria compared to rats with diabetes that didn’t eat it. The benefits seemed to work through a chain reaction: the fat helped grow good bacteria in the gut, which produced helpful chemicals that improved how the body handles sugar and fat. While these results are promising, scientists need to test this in humans to know if it could become a real treatment for people with diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special type of dietary fat called 1,3-DAG could improve blood sugar control and gut health in animals with type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: Male laboratory rats divided into four groups: healthy rats, rats with induced type 2 diabetes, and two groups of diabetic rats given different amounts of the special fat for 8 weeks
  • Key finding: Rats that received the special fat showed significant improvements in blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and cholesterol compared to diabetic rats that didn’t receive it, with improvements similar to healthy control rats
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new dietary approach for type 2 diabetes management, but human studies are needed before it can be recommended as a treatment. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before making dietary changes.

The Research Details

Scientists created type 2 diabetes in laboratory rats using a special diet and injections. Once the rats had stable high blood sugar, they divided them into groups: one group stayed healthy as a comparison, one group had diabetes but no treatment, and two groups with diabetes received different amounts of a special fat called 1,3-DAG mixed with regular fat. All the rats ate their assigned diets for 8 weeks while researchers measured their blood sugar, cholesterol, and gut bacteria.

The researchers used several methods to understand how the fat worked. They measured blood chemicals, examined the rats’ intestines under a microscope, analyzed the types of bacteria living in their guts, and measured special chemicals that gut bacteria produce. This multi-layered approach helped them understand not just whether the fat helped, but how it might have helped.

This study design is important because it doesn’t just look at one thing—it traces a complete pathway from eating the fat to changes in gut bacteria to improvements in blood sugar control. This helps scientists understand the actual mechanism, not just that something works. Understanding how something works makes it more likely to lead to real treatments for people.

This was a controlled laboratory study with clear comparison groups, which is good for understanding cause and effect. However, it was done in rats, not humans, so results may not directly apply to people. The study appears well-designed with multiple measurements and proper controls, but the findings need confirmation in human studies before being used as medical treatment.

What the Results Show

Rats that received the special fat showed dramatic improvements in blood sugar control. Their fasting blood sugar levels dropped significantly and became similar to healthy rats. Insulin levels also improved, meaning their bodies needed less insulin to control blood sugar. Both the low-dose and high-dose fat groups showed these benefits, though the high-dose group showed slightly better results.

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels improved substantially in the fat-treated groups. LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind) decreased while HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ kind) increased. These changes are exactly what doctors want to see in people with diabetes and heart disease risk.

When researchers examined the rats’ intestines, they found that the special fat helped restore normal intestinal structure that had been damaged by diabetes. The intestinal lining appeared healthier and more intact, which is important because a damaged intestinal lining can cause problems throughout the body.

The gut bacteria changes were striking. Rats receiving the special fat developed more of a type of bacteria called Bacteroidota and less of a type called Proteobacteria. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—special chemicals that act like messengers in the body. Levels of these helpful chemicals increased significantly in the treated rats. The rats also showed higher levels of GLP-1 and PYY, which are hormones that help control blood sugar and appetite. Additionally, a harmful chemical called lipopolysaccharide decreased, suggesting less intestinal inflammation.

Previous research showed that 1,3-DAG could lower cholesterol, but this study is among the first to show how it might work in diabetes through gut bacteria. The findings align with growing evidence that gut bacteria play a major role in diabetes development and control. The specific pathway identified here—through short-chain fatty acids and special receptors—matches what other researchers have found with different dietary interventions, suggesting this may be a common mechanism.

This study was conducted in rats, not humans, so results may not directly translate to people. The study lasted only 8 weeks, so we don’t know about long-term effects. The researchers didn’t test different doses in humans or compare the fat to existing diabetes medications. The study also didn’t examine whether the benefits would work for people with different genetics, ages, or other health conditions. Additionally, the exact amount of 1,3-DAG that would be safe and effective in humans remains unknown.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, 1,3-DAG appears promising for diabetes management, but it’s too early to recommend it as a treatment. The evidence is moderate-quality because it comes from animal studies. People with type 2 diabetes should continue following their doctor’s current treatment plan. If interested in dietary approaches, discuss options with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can recommend evidence-based strategies.

People with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for it should follow this research, as it may lead to new treatment options. People interested in functional foods and nutrition science will find this relevant. However, this research doesn’t yet apply to clinical practice, so it shouldn’t change anyone’s current treatment without doctor approval. People without diabetes don’t need to seek out this fat based on current evidence.

In the rat study, improvements appeared within 8 weeks. If this translates to humans, benefits might take several weeks to months to appear. However, human studies haven’t been done yet, so realistic timelines for people remain unknown. Any real-world benefits would likely develop gradually rather than immediately.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily blood sugar readings (fasting and after meals) and weekly weight to monitor diabetes control. If 1,3-DAG becomes available as a supplement, users could log intake and correlate it with blood sugar patterns over 8-12 weeks to see if they notice personal benefits.
  • Once human studies confirm safety and effectiveness, users could set a goal to incorporate 1,3-DAG-containing foods into their diet and track consistency. The app could send reminders for daily intake and prompt weekly reflection on energy levels, blood sugar stability, and digestive health.
  • Establish a baseline of current blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and digestive health. If using 1,3-DAG in the future, monitor these metrics monthly through doctor visits or home testing. Track subjective measures like energy, digestion, and appetite alongside objective measurements for a complete picture of effects.

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are promising but preliminary. Anyone with type 2 diabetes should not change their treatment plan based on this study. Consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before using any new supplements or making significant dietary changes, especially if you take diabetes medications. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always seek professional medical guidance for diabetes management.