Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. The condition occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health problems over time. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to lower the risk of developing diabetes, including exercise, a healthy diet, and taking supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are Omega-3 Fats?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for good health.

These fats are found in a variety of foods, including fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in smaller amounts in other foods such as flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 fats come in three forms: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

These fatty acids have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

How Omega-3 Fats Help Lower Diabetes Risk

Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower the risk of developing diabetes. One reason for this is that these fats are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

Inflammation is a contributing factor to the development of insulin resistance, a condition where the body is unable to use insulin properly. By reducing inflammation, Omega-3 fats can help improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn can lower the risk of developing diabetes.

Omega-3 Fats and Insulin Sensitivity

One study found that taking Omega-3 supplements for just eight weeks was enough to significantly improve insulin sensitivity in overweight men and women.

The participants in the study were given either a placebo or a daily dose of Omega-3 supplements containing 1.8 grams of EPA and 1.2 grams of DHA. The results showed that those who took the Omega-3 supplements had a 23% improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to those who took the placebo.

Omega-3 Fats and Glucose Control

In addition to improving insulin sensitivity, Omega-3 fats can also help improve glucose control. Glucose is the sugar that your body uses for energy, and it is regulated by insulin.

When your body is unable to produce enough insulin, glucose can build up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems over time, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye damage.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 fats can help improve glucose control in people with diabetes. One study found that taking Omega-3 supplements for 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

The participants in the study were given either a placebo or a daily dose of Omega-3 supplements containing 3.6 grams of EPA and 2.4 grams of DHA. The results showed that those who took the Omega-3 supplements had an average decrease in fasting blood glucose levels of 19.7 mg/dL compared to those who took the placebo.

Omega-3 Fats and Cardiovascular Health

One of the reasons that diabetes is such a serious health condition is that it increases the risk of heart disease. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than people without diabetes.

Fortunately, Omega-3 fats can also help improve cardiovascular health, which can help lower the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 fats can help lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular health.

One study found that taking Omega-3 supplements for six months led to a significant reduction in triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The participants in the study were given either a placebo or a daily dose of Omega-3 supplements containing 1.3 grams of EPA and 0.8 grams of DHA.

The results showed that those who took the Omega-3 supplements had an average decrease in triglyceride levels of 26% compared to those who took the placebo.

The Bottom Line

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health and have been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Research has also shown that Omega-3 fats can help lower the risk of developing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, improving glucose control, and improving cardiovascular health. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, or if you already have diabetes, consider adding Omega-3 supplements or foods to your diet to help protect your health.