Diabetes & Fish Oil Benefits

Here’s a look at the benefits of fish oil omega-3 supplements as it relates to people with diabetes. 

Both type I and type II diabetics are at an increased risk of heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness.

  In type I, the pancreas does not secrete insulin. 

In type II, the pancreas may not secrete enough insulin, but the cells of the body have also become resistant to insulin’s activity.

Insulin is like a door-keeper. 

It triggers the cells of the body to open up and accept glucose for energy.  If the cells do not use the glucose for energy, it builds up in the bloodstream and causes damage.  Human beings cannot live without glucose.  If levels become too low, sudden death or coma can occur.  If levels are chronically high for long periods of time, damage is done and is sometimes irreversible.

Fish Oil & Body Damage

The benefits of fish oil omega-3 supplements for diabetes are to help protect the organs of the body from damage and reduce other risk factors of heart disease.  Recent studies have shown that there are other benefits of fish oil supplementation, as well.

There is a peptide produced by the human gut, assuming that certain nutrients are present.  Scientists call the peptide GLP-1.  GLP-1 increases insulin secretion from the pancreas and contributes to insulin sensitivity in the cells of the body.  Researchers consider GLP-1 an “ideal diabetic medicine”.  Recently they showed that the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA increase the secretion of GLP-1, making it a good choice for supplementation.  This many be why other groups have found that omega-3 supplementation seemed to help lower blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes.

Fish Oil & Cholesterol, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure

High levels of C-reactive protein and high LDL cholesterol levels are markers for increased risk of heart disease.  High blood pressure also contributes to heart disease as is commonly seen in people with type II diabetes.  Omega-3 supplements have been shown to decrease levels of C-reactive protein, total and LDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.  Reducing these risk factors reduces the risk of heart disease. 

Fish Oil & Depression

Other benefits of fish oil for diabetics are due to issues that frequently accompany the disease.  Depression, for example, is common.  DHA supplementation is known to provide natural benefit to people suffering from depression.  DHA accounts for more than 40% of the fat in the brain.  It is also a major component of the retina, within the eye.

Fish Oil & Eye Sight

When diabetes causes blindness, it is due to a condition called diabetic retinopathy.  Damage is done to the retina, which is where central vision occurs.  The damage is usually irreversible.  Omega-3s may help protect the eyes from this kind of damage.
 
There are numerous dietary supplements that are beneficial for diabetics, including selenium, bilberry, green tea and alpha-lipoic acid, which like DHA and EPA stimulates the secretion of GLP-1.  But, there is no doubt that the benefits of fish oil make it an important part of the dietary regimen for diabetics and everyone else.

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