Fish oil, which is obtained from the liver of various fish species, is composed of omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Individually, these substances have powerful positive effects on health. For example, the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells while the EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can reduce various types of inflammation. Together, they can alleviate the symptoms of various illnesses, including diabetes. In fact, during the past decade, several scientific studies have demonstrated the ability of fish oil to improve the conditions of people who are suffering from diabetes.
In a study published in 2003 in the Circulation, a peer-reviewed journal, Dr. Hu and his colleagues at the Harvard Medical School studied over five thousand women with diabetes. The study started in 1980 with diabetic women who have no cardiovascular problems. Sixteen years later, a significant percentage already suffered from coronary heart diseases (CHD) and some of the women have died due CHD-induced stroke and cancer. These deadly diseases often coexist with diabetes. In a follow-up study, it was found that the diabetic women who don’t suffer from cardiovascular illnesses are those who ate fish at least once a week. This led to the conclusion that the regular intake of fish oil prevents the occurrence of diseases that are co-morbid with diabetes.
In an experimental study conducted by researchers from the Frederico II University and published in Diabetes Care, diabetic patients were given fish oil supplements for a period of six months. It was found that the fish oil increased the patients’ sensitivity to insulin but did not adversely affect the control of blood glucose. This implies that fish oil should be required in the diet of people with diabetes. And still in another study conducted by Dr. Connor and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, fish oil was found to reduce hypertension and decrease the risk of vascular diseases.
Researches about fish oil and diabetes all point towards one direction – that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help improve the conditions of diabetic patients. Fish oil can reduce the risk of developing co-morbid disorders. Fish oil can positively affect insulin resistance. And fish oil prevents vascular diseases, even in people who are genetically susceptible. There were no studies that indicate possible harm in taking fish oil supplements. Instead, taking fish oil leads to other benefits including the prevention of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and other mental disorders.
