Does Taking Cod Liver Oil Help With Type 2 Diabetes?

Cod liver oil contains high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil may help minimize the risk of Type 2 diabetes-related complications, particularly heart attacks and strokes. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil have shown promise in lowering the risk of heart problems. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about cod liver oil supplementation if you have Type 2 diabetes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Cod liver oil provides an excellent source of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA; these essential omega-3 fatty acids must come via diet, as the body cannot manufacture them on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, according to MayoClinic.com.

Heart Disease

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, Type 2 diabetics run a greater risk of developing heart complications as a result of their underlying condition. In fact, 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, and people with diabetes are two to four times more prone to heart disease than are nondiabetics. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood lead to an increased risk of heart attack, angina and coronary artery disease.

Research

The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil have been shown to decrease the levels of inflammatory proteins associated with serious cardiovascular complications. In 2009, Spanish researchers recruited 30 Type 2 diabetics -- 14 females and 16 males -- and supplemented their diets with 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA over a 12-week period. At the end of the study, the subjects recorded significantly lower levels of the inflammatory proteins C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This research suggests that Type 2 diabetics may reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications through cod liver oil supplementation. The results of the study were published in the January-February 2009 "European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences."

Hypertriglyceridemia

Type 2 diabetics often also demonstrate unhealthy levels of fats in their blood, known as hypertriglyceridemia. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, the omega- fatty acids found in cod liver oil significantly lower the levels of these fats and help protect Type 2 diabetics from cardiovascular disease.