What could fish oil and blood sugar have to do with one another? More than you might think, as it turns out. For people who are at risk for developing diabetes or who have already been diagnosed, using fish oil as a dietary supplement may bring positive results.
The disease occurs when the body cannot properly store and release sugar, a process which requires the hormone insulin. It can develop because the body does not produce enough insulin (this is called Type 1), or because their cells become resistant to the effects of insulin (Type 2) Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2, serious health complications can develop, especially cardiovascular disease, eye disease and slow healing.
The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to have a number of health benefits, especially for diabetics or those at risk for the disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that children who have more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet are less likely to develop the early signs of Type 1 diabetes (the type caused by the failure to produce sufficient insulin). Type 1 is most common in children. If you are considering giving your child omega-3 supplements, you should always consult your pediatrician first; children cannot handle adult doses of these supplements, and complications could develop. Your doctor can help you decide on the best course for your family.
For people with Type 2, cardiovascular disease is a serious concern. Taking an omega-3 supplement can reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood, a form of fat associated with hardening of the arteries and, because of this, with heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, keeping triglyceride levels low significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetics are at higher than normal risk for cardiovascular disease and tend to have high levels of triglycerides. Taking an omega-3 supplement may therefore help by lowering those levels, as shown in a 1998 and 2000 study in the journal “Diabetes Care.”
In addition, some have suggested that fish oil helps diabetics control their blood sugar, but researchers have failed to find reliable evidence. Therefore, diabetics should continue their present regimens for controlling blood sugar, and consult with their doctors about new findings that may arise. Nevertheless, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids can still have positive benefits by reducing their risk of cardiovascular problems.
