If you have Type 2 diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack. That’s because those with diabetes tend to have higher levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Triglycerides are a type of fat stored by the body. Any calories your body doesn’t burn right away are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. The body then burns these triglycerides when it needs energy between meals.
But if you have diabetes, insulin can inhibit the uptake of triglycerides in fat cells and they build up in the blood instead. This can be particularly dangerous for diabetics.
Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
The good news is that fish oil supplements can be beneficial for fighting heart disease and may help lower triglyceride levels in those with Type 2 diabetes.
Fish oil contains healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids – in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, which can help decrease triglyceride levels in the blood. According to the American Diabetes Association, taking 2 to 5 teaspoons of fish oil each day can help decrease triglyceride levels by 30 to 50 percent.
Fish oil supplements can also decrease blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms, decrease cholesterol levels, help reduce depression and may help prevent certain cancers or slow their growth.
How to Choose and Take Fish Oil Supplements
The American Heart Association recommends you consume 1 gram of fish oil daily, either through a supplement or by eating fish high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, halibut and albacore tuna.
If you choose to take an omega 3 supplement, be sure it contains both EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements are most widely available in gelatin capsules that are odorless, tasteless, and easy to swallow.
You also want to read the label to determine how many milligrams of fish oil each capsule contains. If you want to take 1 gram per day, you may have to take up to four capsules each day.
For maximum absorption, take fish oil supplements with food. To ensure the integrity of the supplement, store omega 3 supplements in a cool, dry, dark place.
Fish oil supplements can also act as a blood thinner, so you may not be able to take them if you take aspirin or certain prescription drugs such as Coumadin. Be sure to talk to your physician first to determine if omega 3 supplements are right for you.
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