Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your body cannot use insulin effectively or does not produce enough of it.

The condition can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. However, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet can help manage this condition, and one way to do it is by consuming fatty fish.

What Are Fatty Fish?

Fatty fish are a type of fish that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These fish are usually cold-water fish, and some examples include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout.

These types of fish have a distinctive flavor and are often recommended for individuals with diabetes since they have a low glycemic index and do not raise blood sugar levels.

How Do Fatty Fish Affect Type 2 Diabetes?

Fatty fish can benefit people with type 2 diabetes in various ways. One way it can help you manage the condition is by reducing inflammation in the body, which is linked to several health problems, including diabetes.

Also, the omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help improve your cholesterol levels, reduce your blood pressure, and lower your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Additionally, fatty fish contains vitamin D, which can help reduce your risk of developing complications associated with diabetes.

10 Ways to Improve Your Type 2 Diabetes with Fatty Fish

Here are ten ways fatty fish can help individuals with type 2 diabetes improve their condition:.

1. Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels

Fatty fish has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels. Eating fatty fish regularly can help you control your blood sugar levels, making it easier to manage type 2 diabetes.

2. Reduce Inflammation

As mentioned above, the omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation is linked to several health problems, including diabetes, so reducing it can help manage your condition.

3. Improve Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels are a common problem for people with type 2 diabetes, so consuming fatty fish can help improve those levels.

The omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol while increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol, leading to an improvement in overall cholesterol levels.

4. Lower Blood Pressure

Fatty fish can also help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help reduce inflammation throughout the circulatory system, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.

5. Reduce Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke, but consuming fatty fish can help reduce those risks.

The omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels, leading to a lower risk of developing these conditions.

6. Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Fatty fish can also help improve insulin sensitivity, which is a vital factor in managing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin sensitivity refers to how your body can use insulin effectively, and the omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help your body respond better to insulin.

7. Boost Vitamin D Levels

Fatty fish is an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for overall health. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people with diabetes, so consuming fatty fish regularly can help boost your vitamin D levels.

This, in turn, can help reduce your risk of developing complications associated with diabetes.

8. Promote Weight Loss

Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but consuming fatty fish can help promote weight loss. The omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, leading to better weight management.

9. Improve Mood

Fatty fish can also help improve your mood, which is often linked to depression and anxiety, common issues for people with type 2 diabetes. Consuming fatty fish regularly can help reduce inflammation in the brain, leading to an improvement in mood.

10. Improve Brain Health

The omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish are also beneficial to brain health. These fatty acids can improve brain function, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and reduce inflammation in the brain.

Conclusion

Fatty fish can provide numerous benefits to individuals with type 2 diabetes. Consuming these fish regularly can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, fatty fish is an excellent source of vitamin D and can improve brain health while boosting your mood. So, Make sure to add these fish to your diet for a healthy and active lifestyle with type 2 diabetes.