What is the Relation between Fish Oil and Diabetes?

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Fish oil is produced worldwide in a capsule form and sold as a supplement. It is derived from the tissues of fishes that are oily. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are believed to have numerous health benefits. One connection that is thought to exist is the relation between fish oil and diabetes. Does it have any relationship?

Before talking about the relationship of fish oil and diabetes, it is best to discuss first diabetes. Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is characterized by constant high blood sugar. The blood sugar is elevated because the body either produces less insulin or the cells do not respond to the insulin produced by the body. The classical symptoms of diabetes include the three P’s which are polyuria or frequent urination, polydipsia or increased thirst and polyphagia or increased hunger.

There are three types of diabetes. First is Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin at all thus the person needs to inject insulin every now and then. The second type of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes or non insulin dependent. In this type of diabetes, the body produces enough insulin but the cells do not respond to the insulin well. Third is gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes is only experienced by women during pregnancy who never had diabetes before.

Diabetes, specifically type 2, is common to those who are obese. Oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin therapy can be used to manage diabetes of this type. Insulin has been around since its discovery in 1921 and has proven its worth to human race. Uncontrolled diabetes brought about by poor medication compliance can lead to diabetic ketoaidosis or non ketotic hyperosmolar coma. Long term complications are retinal damage, chronic renal failure and cardiovascular disease.

Studies reveal that type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes which affects 90-95% of those who are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. In 2010, about 10.9 million people in the Unites States ages 65 and above were diagnosed to have diabetes and 1.9 million people ages 20 years old and above.

Those with diabetes type 2 are mostly obese and obesity has been linked with elevated triglycerides level. High triglyceride level in the body predisposes one to cardiovascular diseases because of the possibility of the formation of plaques in the blood vessels. Fish oil comes in at this point. Studies have revealed that fish oil lowers the triglyceride in the body to about 30% thus could help people with diabetes type 2.

Fish oil come in gel capsules nowadays and are sold in pharmacy or any health shops. Grab one now. It sure would take good care of your heart.