Approximately 27 percent of all adults over the age of 65 have diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Whether you are young or old, diabetes is a serious medical condition that dramatically increases your risk for chronic diseases including blindness and heart disease, as well as limb loss. Certain foods may influence the health of insulin-producing cells -- known as beta cells -- in both diabetics and non-diabetics.
Background
Beta cells are special cells found in regions of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Their chief role in the body is to produce insulin, the hormone responsible for shuttling blood glucose into cells. People with Type 1 diabetes have no beta cells and require injected insulin. The health of beta cells in Type 2 diabetics and healthy people is largely influenced by inflammation -- a process characterized by an overactive immune system -- according to a review paper published in the January 2005 issue of "Science."
Fish
Fatty fish such as herring, salmon, sardines and mackerel are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are a special form of fat that helps reduce excess inflammation in the body. A research study on rats published in the December 2003 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" showed an omega-3-rich diet helped boost beta cell insulin secretion in a group of diabetic rats. However, human studies are needed to test the effects of fish and fish oil on beta cell health.
Fructose
Fructose is a form of sugar naturally present in fruit, including bananas and strawberries. While a small amount is not unhealthy, large amounts of fructose -- from high-fructose corn syrup, for example -- can increase inflammation and contribute to insulin resistance, according to a review paper published in the October 2006 issue of "Magnesium Research." As reported by researchers in the January 2008 "Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases," several studies have shown that inflammation contributes to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. However, it's not clear whether fructose has a direct effect on beta cell health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a healthy fruit that's rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. A test tube study published in November 2006 in "Phytomedicine" showed that an extract of blueberry promoted the production of new beta cells. Enhanced production of beta cells may help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm the influence of blueberries on beta cells.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Fast Facts on Diabetes
- "Science"; Type 2 Diabetes-a Matter of Beta-Cell Life and Death?; C.J. Rhodes; Janaury 2005
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Fish Oil Affects Pancreatic Fat Storage, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Activity and Insulin Secretion in Rats Fed a Sucrose-Rich Diet; D Pighin et al.; December 2003
- "Magnesium Research"; High Fructose Consumption Combined With Low Dietary Magnesium Intake May Increase the Incidence of the Metabolic Syndrome by Inducing Inflammation; Y. Rayssiguier et al.; October 2006
- "Phytomedicine"; Anti-Diabetic Properties of the Canadian Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium Angustifolium Ait; L.C. Martineau et al.; Novemeber 2006
- "Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases"; Protection of Pancreatic Beta-cells: is It Feasible?; Enzo Bonora; January 2008
