Why Fish Oils Work Swimmingly Against Inflammation and Diabetes
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified the molecular mechanism that makes omega-3 fatty acids so effective in reducing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
The discovery could lead to development of a simple dietary remedy for many of the more than 23 million Americans suffering from diabetes and other conditions.
Writing in the advance online edition of the September 3 issue of the journal Cell, Jerrold Olefsky, MD, and colleagues identified a key receptor on macrophages abundantly found in obese body fat. Obesity and diabetes are closely correlated. The scientists say omega-3 fatty acids activate this macrophage receptor, resulting in broad anti-inflammatory effects and improved systemic insulin sensitivity.
It’s true! I have a PhD in genetics and have been trying like heck to get my dad to take the fish oil forever. He has Diabetes Type II and now that it’s been correlated with lowering insulin insensitivity I think he will finally start the omega-3 fish oil. Note however that studies were done in obese mice and that the mice did not lose weight during the study, but did have a lowering of their insulin insensitivity.