Of all the health benefits supplemented for a diabetic, I believe  the Omega 3 fatty acids to be  the most beneficial and here is why.

First of all lets define what Omega 3 fatty acids are.

These are Essential unsaturated Fatty acids that aid in a body’s metabolic process and In children they also aid in the natural  growth process so they are simply put a necessity however the body cant make them and are only available through food.

While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are diverse, I would like to confine this article on just those that directly or indirectly affect diabetics.

Clinical studies have shown that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. This makes it ideal for diabetics who suffer from high blood pressure as well.

Heart disease

One of the best ways to help prevent heart disease is to eat a diet low in saturated fat and to eat foods that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids).

Krill oil has been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood), and to lower the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms in people who have already had a heart attack. It also appears to help prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by slowing the development of plaque and blood clots, which can clog arteries.

Strokes

Eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, high doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding.

People who eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may have higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.

Depression

Some recent studies have shown that  taking omega-3 fatty acids can help depression symptoms.

Studies  found that people who took omega-3 fatty acids in addition to prescription antidepressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who took antidepressants alone.

Cognitive decline

A number of studies have led to the belief that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is protective against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Skin disorders

In one clinical study, 13 people with sun sensitivity known as photo dermatitis showed less sensitivity to UV rays after taking fish oil supplements. But noteworthy is the fact that typical sunscreens are much better at protecting the skin from damaging effects of the sun than omega-3 fatty acids.

Macular Degeneration

In  a study of people over  the age of 49 found that those who ate more fish were less likely to have macular degeneration (a serious age related eye condition that can progress to blindness) than those who ate less fish.

In another study, comparing 350 people with macular degeneration to 500 without the eye disease found that those with a healthy dietary balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and more fish in their diets were less likely to have macular degeneration.

Omega 3 fatty acid sources 

As stated earlier, the essential Omega 3 fatty acids are not synthesized naturally by the body but are available through food.

Fish – Included are cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, and herring.

Nuts – flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, purslane, perilla seed oil, walnuts, and walnut oil.

Marine Life – such as krill and algae. 

The Best source of Omega 3 fatty acids 

Supplements rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are the primary source for many looking to add this essential fatty acid to their diets for the logical reason that it is much easier to measure a dosage in pill form that has been defined better than your ordinary food serving.

But while many people tend to gravitate towards fish oils for their Omega 3 needs, there is a better alternative I stumbled upon when I was doing research on this article and that is Krill Oil.

The apple to apple comparison between krill oil vs fish oil shows how superior krill oil is here, and the Web MD take on it here.

Disclaimer: As with any supplement, please do not partake without prior consultation and approval from your doctor.