Posted on January 3, 2008 in Diabetes FAQ
Yes. The Omega-3 Fatty Acids do lower the risk of Diabetes. Fish oil is considered to be good in reducing the risk of developing Diabetes, particularly Diabetes Type 2. These acids when consumed do not add on to your weight and therefore prove beneficial in checking obesity, which causes Diabetes Type 2.
Fish oil helps in increasing the body’s ability to consume glucose despite the presence of insulin, without having an adverse effect on the overall glucose control. The oils enable the glucose to enter in the muscles, which is essential for these muscles to function efficiently. Omega-3 Fatty acids are beneficial to a diabetic in many ways.
Omega- 3 fatty acids, if taken by a diabetic can help him cope up with the disease better. The body does not produce these acids and therefore it has to be consumed by sources such as fish.The fatty acids decrease insulin resistance in people affected by Diabetes. The rich dietary sources of Omega-3 acids are available in oily cold- water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring. These acids can also be found in nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds, canola oil and specially fortified eggs. The oils should be in addition to what you normally eat.
Several scientific studies have proved several benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids for a diabetic. What are these benefits?
Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids for a Diabetic
- Diabetes leads to cardiovascular diseases. Omega 3 fatty acids prevent such diseases. Robert S. Dinsmoor, a Contributing Editor of Diabetes Self-Management claims that these acids reduce triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes which helps in preventing heart disease
- Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the requirement of insulin by diabetics
- The fatty acids decrease insulin resistance in people affected by Diabetes
- Researchers ( Sept 26. 2007) at Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and the Department of Preventive and Biometrics at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center School of Medicine have found that Omega fatty acids can reduce the risk of diabetes autoimmunity in the case of Diabetes Type 1. This form of Diabetes develops when the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, killing the cells that make the insulin. Children were also observed and the opinion held was that by consuming more of Omega-3 fatty acids they were less likely to develop Diabetes autoimmunity
- High risk children have less chances of risking Diabetes Type 1 if they consume Omega fatty 3 acids. Salynn Boyles in her article Omega – 3 May Lower Type 1 Diabetes Risk has focused upon the anti-inflammatory properties, which play a major role in the development of Diabetes Type 1. Omega 3 helps the body to fight the inflammation that causes this particular Diabetes.
- Refer:- Webmd
- Researchers in the U.S. also claim that Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk among children with family history of Diabetes in acquiring the disease. This has been highlighted by Julie Steenhuysen in her article Omega-3 fatty acids protect against diabetes: study. Focus is on study conducted by Jill Norris and colleagues of University of Colorado at Denver who tested the potential protective element of Omega fatty acids with regard to Diabetes. (Refer:- Reuters)
- A French study (details in December 2007 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) claims that Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce fat mass among diabetics and improve their blood lipid levels
Based upon these findings one can conclude that Omega Fatty Acids do play an important role in the control and onset of diabetes and consulting a physician about their usage would benefit the patient in taking remedial measures in checking Diabetes. In consultation with the physician, one can try out these fatty acids and see if they help them in the management of Diabetes.
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