The research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health discovered that eating higher quantities of omega-3 fatty acids is not associated to lower heart disease risk for females suffering from type 1 diabetes.

Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly found in fish, promote heart health by preventing the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.

Little is known about the effect of consuming omega-3 in people with type 1 diabetes, who are at much greater risk for heart disease.

The research comprised 601 males and females enrolled in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study, a long-term prospective examination of childhood onset type 1 diabetes, which started in the year 1986.

Partakers were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between the years 1950 and 1980.

During the study course, around 166 partakers were diagnosed with heart problem. Generally, omega-3 consumption among participants was low.

The incidence of heart disease was lowest in men who consumed the highest quantities of omega-3 - more than 0.2 grams per day. Women who consumed similar amounts of omega-3 did not have lower rates of heart disease.

Tina Costacou, lead author of the study and assistant professor of epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health said, "Although omega-3 is typically associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, this may not be the case for women who have type 1 diabetes."

"Importantly, our study suggests we shouldn't assume men and women with type 1 diabetes are the same," Tina added.

The results of the study are being presented at the 70th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association. (With Inputs from Agencies)