Written by Dr S K Wangnoo
A 45-year-old working woman came to us with her blood sugar test results, worried that the readings were higher than the normal range. Her fasting plasma glucose was 115 mg/dL, her oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) result after two hours of consuming a glucose-rich solution was 168 mg/dL and her HbA1c (three-month average blood glucose count) was 6 per cent. Clearly, she had prediabetes. Her blood sugar levels were higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes.
Anxious, she asked if she needed medication. As she was overweight, we advised her to get into a lifestyle routine instead, eat better and at home, exercise more and lose body fat. We also included more foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids or the good fats from salmon, walnuts and chia seeds. She even added a daily fish oil supplement. Vegetarians can opt for algae oil variants.
Story continues below this ad
After three months, her blood sugar levels went down, her energy improved and her sugar cravings reduced. Omega-3 didn’t cure her but had helped stop her prediabetes from turning into diabetes.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is a type of “good fat” that our body needs but cannot make on its own. It helps reduce inflammation, supports heart health and keeps our cells working well. There are three main types of Omega-3: ALA (from plant sources like flaxseed and walnuts); EPA and DHA (mainly from fatty fish and fish oil)
How Omega-3 May Help with Prediabetes
One of the biggest problems in prediabetes is insulin resistance. This means the body doesn’t respond to insulin, the sugar-regulating hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. When your body becomes insulin resistant, sugar stays in the blood, and over time this can lead to diabetes.
Studies suggest that Omega-3 may help the body use insulin better, reduce inflammation, which in turn plays a big part in insulin resistance. When the inflammation goes down, your body may be able to control blood sugar more effectively.
Story continues below this ad
People with prediabetes often have high levels of triglycerides (a type of blood fat), which are risky for the heart. Omega-3 is known to lower triglycerides and improve overall heart health. That’s another reason it’s helpful if you’re trying to manage prediabetes.
Should You Take Omega-3 Supplements?
It’s always best to get nutrients from real food. But if you don’t eat fish or enough plant-based Omega-3s, you can talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Omega-3 in your routine—whether through food or supplements—may give your body extra support in controlling blood sugar and protecting your health.
(Dr Wangnoo is endocrinologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi)
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Expand