Effects of Fish Oils on Diabetes

What are the benefits of using fish oils if you have diabetes?

While fish oils provide an excellent source of the omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and ecoisapaentenoic acid, one of the main concerns for diabetics is they will have a negative effect on blood sugar levels.

Latest research indicates omega 3 fatty acids may benefit diabetics by reducing their risk for heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels and high blood pressure. Additional studies show omega 3 fatty acids may increase blood levels of a hormone that may reduce your risk for getting diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent-diabetes (NIDD). This is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose).

When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body is either unaffected or resistant to insulin (a hormone that controls how your body cells absorb sugar); or your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Fish Oils may reduce risk for Diabetes

Boston, Massachusetts - Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that supplementing a diet with fish oils may increase blood levels of a hormone called adiponectin; an important chemical that helps regulate glucsoe metabolism and inflammtion.

A comparison of studies where 682 subjects took fish oil and 641 given placebos, the fish oil group showed an increase of adipopectin levels.

Researchers from the study stated, "Although higher levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, whether fish oil influences glucose metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear....However, results from our study suggest that higher intake of fish oil may moderately increase blood level of adiponectin, and these results support potential benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism."

1. Fish Oil reduces Triglyceride Levels in Diabetics

Naples, Italy - Researchers from the Institute of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases in Naples, Italy studied the long term effects of fish oil on diabetics and found positive changes in insulin resistance.

Sixteen (16) patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitis were randomly assigned to take 2.7 grams/day of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 2 months; followed by 1.7 grams/day for 4 more months. Their diet and hypoglycemic drugs remained unchanged throughout the study.

Researchers found fish oils reduced triglyceride levels and increased omega 3 levels without any negative effects on blood glucose control.

Scientists at the Department of Diabetes in Paris found similar results when giving Type 2 diabetic patients 6 grams of fish oils per day for 2 months. They found fish oils lowered triglyceride levels with no negative effects on insulin-sensitivity or glycemic control.

2. Fish Oils lower High Blood Pressure in Diabetics

Norway - Researchers at the Department of Internal Medicine at Tromsø University Hospital discover fish oils reduce high blood pressure without affecting insulin sensitivity and blood glucose metabolism.

Seventy-eight (78) patients with untreated high blood pressure were randomly assigned to receive either 4 grams/day of EPA and DHA or corn oil for 16 weeks.

Researchers measured insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, lipid levels and blood pressure. They found no significant differences in insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels for both the fish oil and corn oil groups.

The fish oil group experienced lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 3.8 mmHg and 2.0 mmHg and decreased triglyceride levels. The group taking corn oil saw no positive changes in these parameters.

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Diabetes Mellitus

Oxford, UK - Researchers at the University of Oxford, Public Health & Primary Care conducted a broad study on all randomised trials where omega 3 fatty acids were used in people with type 2 diabetes.

Twenty three (23) trials involving 1075 participants showed an average trial of 8.9 weeks with a mean dose of 3.5 grams/day of omega 3 fatty acids.

Researchers found omega 3 fatty acids decreased triglycerides and cholesterol along with no significant effects on glycemic control or fasting insulin levels.

Editor's Conclusions on Using Fish Oils with Diabetes

Based on the above research it appears omega 3 fatty acids may offer the following health benefits:

• Fish oil supplementation may increase hormone levels that enhance glucose metabolism.

• Omega 3 fatty acids may help lower high triglyceride levels and reduce the risk for hypertension.

• Fish oils don't appear to have any negative effect on insulin sensitivity or blood glucose levels.

OmegaRX - Highly purified omega 3 supplement

Adding fresh fatty fish to your diet is an excellent way to increase your dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids.

However, if you're concerned about exposure to mercury and other contaminants that may be found in fresh fish, you could use an omega 3 supplement.

Using a highly purified omega 3 supplement that's been tested by a third-party laboratory will help ensure you get the most health benefits.

Consult with your doctor before adding these products to your diet and ensure you're both working together to manage your condition safely and effectively.

Fish Oils and Diabetes Research References:

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