Fish Oil for Diabetes - Alternative Treatment for Neuropathy

In the United States, millions are already known to be afflicted with either Type I or Type II diabetes.

Diabetes is the condition in which the body is not effective in converting glucose from food into energy. This can occur when the pancreas is not sufficiently producing the hormone called insulin, or if the insulin being produced is not acting up on the glucose.

Diabetes can be dealt with by taking in medications, but it has no definite cure as yet.

There are many other medical conditions that are associated with diabetes, and one of them is diabetic neuropathy.

What is diabetic neuropathy? Simply put, this refers to the inability of the nerves to function normally, possibly due to high glucose levels in the blood, low insulin levels, and even existing nerve damage.

It has been estimated by the United States National Institutes of Health that about half of patients with diabetes will develop a form of neuropathy.

What are the symptoms associated with neuropathy? Since diabetic neuropathy involves nerve damage and the inability to develop new and healthier nerve cells, the general symptom is numbness in certain areas of the body. Sudden weight loss, weakness, constipation or diarrhea, and urinary problems are only some of the other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

What are the treatments for diabetic neuropathy? Is there an alternative treatment for neuropathy?

The treatments that are available for diabetic neuropathy involve restoring the normal glucose and insulin levels in the body. This can be done via the administration of insulin shots, as well as making changes in the diet of the patient. It is also important to administer medicines for pain relief such as acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs.    

The alternative treatment for neuropathy may include non-traditional methods that are not generally classified under conventional medicine.  

In some cases, hypnosis is given to patients so that they are able to mentally deal with the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Also, herbal and dietary supplements are popular treatments for patients with this condition.    

Fish oil, a dietary supplement that is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been examined for its many benefits against several forms of diseases.    

The omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in fish oil are DHA and EPA, which are the focus of many medical and clinical investigations. DHA is docosahexenoic acid, and EPA is eicosapentenoic acid.    

It was in 1998 in France where a study on diabetic rats and omega-3 fatty acids was conducted.  

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The diabetic rats in the experiments were given fish oil supplements on a daily basis, and their nerve conduction was measured. Their results showed how promising fish oil supplements and omega-3 fatty acids in them can help against neuropathy.  

Another 2003 study from France published in the journal Diabetes was able to show how regular DHA doses in diabetic rats can help protect the nerve cells against diabetic neuropathy.    

Currently, research facilities are still in search of the benefits of fish oil for diabetes and the omega-3 fatty acids as a potential alternative treatment for neuropathy. Before attempting to use fish oil supplements, it is best to consult with a doctor.