Borage oil is an excellent source of the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which has been shown to be beneficial in managing diabetes. Borage oil does not help to control blood glucose levels directly. However, the high levels of GLA present in borage oil may help in controlling neuropathy and cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.
Best Source
GLA makes up 23 percent of borage oil, the best source of the naturally occurring essential fatty acid, according to Dr. Arthur Klimaszewisky. Other good sources such as evening primrose oil or black currant oil contain significantly lesser amounts of GLA compared with borage oil.
Clinical Studies
Several clinical studies have tested the efficacy of GLA in managing neuropathy in diabetic patients. In 1986, a study involving 22 patients with diabetic neuropathy indicated that those who received GLA for six months had better outcomes compared with patients receiving placebos. Since then, two other studies in 1993 and 1997 involving about 700 patients have confirmed that taking GLA leads to better clinical management of diabetic neuropathy.
Cytokine Factor
According to Dr. Mark McCarty, the cytokine Interleukine-6 is one of the principal mediators of cardiovascular complications arising from diabetes. A clinical study in 1993 indicated that GLA reduces cytokine release.
Safety
Due to a higher concentration of GLA in borage oil, therapeutically effective concentrations can be achieved in patients with lower dosages of the oil. This ensures that the patient is receiving the required dosage of GLA with minimal associated supplementary calories and fat intake. According to Dr. Arthur Klimaszewisky, a daily dose of 2 grams of borage oil is clinically active in managing diabetic neuropathy. Such low dosages also make borage oil an economically attractive treatment option. Borage oil is nontoxic and is not known to have any adverse side effects in amounts administered for therapeutic purposes.
Considerations
No evidence shows that borage oil controls blood glucose levels, so borage oil should be considered an adjunct to a therapeutic regimen to manage diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Patients will still need to be monitored for blood glucose levels as directed by the attending physician.
Member Comments