Using Fish Oils and Diabetes

"Healthy Blood Sugar and Fish Oils go Hand in Hand!"

Is it safe to combine fish oils and diabetes treatment?

Earlier reports suggest fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids may have a negative impact on blood sugar levels in some diabetics. But is this really true?

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of omega 3 fish oils and if it affects blood glucose and insulin levels.

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.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight play a large part in controlling and preventing diabetes. For many people they are able to manage their sugar levels without the use of external insulin or drugs.

For other diabetic patients, insulin therapy or diabetic medications may be needed if diet and exercise aren't enough.

Diabetes increases risk for Heart Disease

One of the concerns with having diabetes is the increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

The Mayo Clinic warns about possible complications of Type 2 diabetes such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

Did you know the risk for stroke more than doubles within the first 5 years of being treated for Type 2 diabetes?

And according to the American Heart Association, 75% of people with diabetes will die of heart or blood vessel disease.

Eating healthy and exercising can play a large part in optimizing your health and vitality.

The American Heart Association recommends eating more fish or taking fish oil supplements to increase your intake of heart-friendly omega 3 fatty acids and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.

But what if you have diabetes? Is it safe to combine fish oils and diabetes treatment? Will fish oils negatively affect your blood sugar levels and your sensitivity to insulin?

The following studies take a closer look at fish oils and diabetes treatment:

1. Fish Oils and Diabetes Study shows Reduced Triglyceride Levels

Naples, Italy - Researchers from the Institute of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases in Naples, Italy studied the long term effects of fish oils and diabetes.

They looked specifically for possible changes in insulin resistance in patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent-Diabetic-Mellitus (NIDDM).

Sixteen (16) patients with NIDDM were randomly assigned to take 2.7 grams/day of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 2 months, then 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 also found fish oils lowered triglyceride levels and there were no negative effects on insulin-sensitivity or glycemic control.

2. Study shows 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 and 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. Effects of 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 decrease triglycerides and cholesterol along with no significant effects on glycemic control or fasting insulin levels.

Editor's Conclusions on Fish Oils and Diabetes Research

Research indicates fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids help reduce high triglyceride levels, lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.

However, some studies show omega 3 fish oils may cause a slight increase in blood glucose, total and LDL cholesterol levels.

A study published in May 1989 Issue of Glucose Journal states these slight increases may be caused by taking excessively high dosages (4 - 10 grams/day) of omega 3 fatty acids and these effects were only seen in a small population of test subjects (10 - 35%).

In general, it appears fish oils don't negatively affect glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity.

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

• Taking fish oils may help lower high triglyceride levels.

• Fish oils help may reduce high blood pressure - both systolic and diastolic.

• Diabetics taking fish oils don't see any negative effects on insulin sensitivity or blood glucose levels.

Looking at the available research on fish oils and diabetes, it appears this marine oil can help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease without complications to your diabetes treatment.

Is Fish Oil safe for Diabetes?

People with diabetes may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and elevated lipid levels.

Research appears to indicate that diabetic patients may benefit from using omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil supplements.

The most significant benefits are reduced triglyceride levels and a decrease in blood pressure.

In order to get the most benefits from omega 3 fatty acids you should use a product that provides high concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids.

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.

One of the benefits of using an omega 3 supplement is you reduce your risk for exposure to mercury and other contaminants that may be found in fish.

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.

The use of omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils and diabetes management can go a long way to improve your quality of life.

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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