People with diabetes can improve their quality of life with fish oil emulsion supplementation, study finds

04/11/2019 / By Janine Acero

Diabetes is a disease that keeps on giving – problems.

People suffering from diabetes often develop equally debilitating complications which are significant causes of increased morbidity and mortality among patients. Researchers from Slovakia recently investigated the capability of fish oil emulsion to reduce hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic patients that result in these complications. Their findings were published in the journal Nutrition Research.

Previous studies confirm that hyperglycemia has pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory properties which cause diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. The researchers hypothesized that supplementing with fish oil emulsion (FOE), which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, might reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathological mechanisms due to specific properties of FOE.

The researchers examined the potential protective effect of FOE on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and cytokine generation in monocytes/macrophages U937 system in vitro. They cultivated monocytes/macrophages U937 under normal or hyperglycemic (35 mmol/L glucose) conditions with/without FOE for 72 hours.

The researchers focused on specific markers for oxidative stress (antioxidant capacity; superoxide dismutase activity; oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids) and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocytic chemotactic protein-1). Hyperglycemia reduced antioxidant capacity, and induced DNA damage and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine.

The researchers observed that FOE significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of cells as well as superoxide dismutase activity, while significantly reducing tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocytic chemotactic protein-1 release.

The results indicated that FOE can reduce hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may consequently reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Foods that cause inflammation

Inflammation is the mechanism by which your immune system fights off foreign invaders in your body. But sometimes, your immune system goes into overdrive and causes chronic inflammation, which spells disaster for your body by causing diseases like diabetes.

You can take fish oil supplements to help reduce inflammation in your body, but your efforts may not be fruitful if you don’t avoid these foods that trigger inflammation.

Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup — Studies have linked high-sugar diets to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Guess what these diseases all have in common? Inflammation. Table sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are the two main types of added sugar mainly found in the Western diet. The usual suspects include candy, chocolate, soft drinks, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, sweet pastries and certain cereals. (Related: Researchers say consuming fish oils is linked to lower insulin-promoted breast cancer risk.)
Artificial trans fats — Trans fats have been found to increase levels of inflammatory markers. These substances are added to processed foods to extend their shelf life. Foods high in trans fats include fried fast food (e.g. french fries), microwave popcorn, packaged cakes and cookies, certain pastries, margarine, and all processed foods that list “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on their label.
Refined carbohydrates — Carbohydrates contain fiber, which promotes fullness, manages blood sugar levels, and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. However, refined carbs have had most of their fiber removed, and the remaining substance is what triggers inflammation. Moreover, refined carbs have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed ones, which raises blood sugar levels. Foods such as bread, pasta, pastries, some cereals, cookies, cakes, soft drinks and all processed foods contain refined carbs.
Excessive alcohol — This one’s a no-brainer; excessive alcohol intake increases your risk of many health problems, including inflammation. High amounts of alcohol have been found to particularly increase inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.
Vegetable and seed oils — Sometimes, too much of a good thing can be bad news for your body. For instance, high levels of omega-6 fatty acids can trigger the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals in your body. Omega-6s are found in oils such as corn, sunflower, grapeseed, soy, peanut, and vegetable; as well as mayonnaise and salad dressings.