Does Omega 3 Supplementation Affect Blood Sugar?

Jason AtkinsonHealth & Science Education

Mercer UniversityDOES OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTATION AFFECT BLOOD

SUGAR?

WHAT IS BLOOD GLUCOSE?

WHAT IS BLOOD GLUCOSE? Level of sugar (glucose) circulating in

the blood stream.

WHAT IS BLOOD GLUCOSE? Level of sugar (glucose) circulating in

the blood stream. The body produces insulin in the

pancreas to remove sugar from the blood and into storage either as muscle glycogen or as body fat.

WHAT IS BLOOD GLUCOSE? Level of sugar (glucose) circulating in the

blood stream. The body produces insulin in the pancreas to

remove sugar from the blood and into storage either as muscle glycogen or as body fat.

Type II (adult onset) diabetes occurs when cells become resistant or non-responsive to insulin as a result of prolonged elevation in blood sugar due to lifestyle factors.

NORMAL BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Fasting Blood Glucose: 70-100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

2 hours after eating (postprandial):

70-145 mg/dL

Random (casual): 70-125 mg/dL

NORMAL BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Fasting Blood Glucose: 70-100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

2 hours after eating (postprandial):

70-145 mg/dL

Random (casual): 70-125 mg/dL

Levels slightly above those listed are considered prediabetic. In order to be considered diabetic, blood sugar levels must be elevated over a longer period of time.

WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD SUGAR?

WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD SUGAR? Type and quantity of food we eat. (meal

timing and macronutrients ratios are also a factor)

WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD SUGAR? Type and quantity of food we eat. (meal

timing and macronutrients ratios are also a factor)

Level of physical activity (or lack of it)

WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD SUGAR? Type and quantity of food we eat. (meal

timing and macronutrients ratios are also a factor)

Level of physical activity (or lack of it) Body composition

WHAT AFFECTS BLOOD SUGAR? Type and quantity of food we eat. (meal

timing and macronutrients ratios are also a factor)

Level of physical activity (or lack of it) Body composition Hormone balance

NUTRITION

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates – Starches, grains, or

simple sugars . Has most direct effect on blood sugar. (see glycemic index)

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates – Starches, grains, or

simple sugars . Has most direct effect on blood sugar. (see glycemic index)

Proteins –

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates – Starches, grains, or

simple sugars . Has most direct effect on blood sugar. (see glycemic index)

Proteins –Meat, dairy, eggs etc. Have stabilizing effect on blood sugar. (produces glucagon)

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates – Starches, grains, or

simple sugars . Has most direct effect on blood sugar (see glycemic index)

Proteins –Meat, dairy, eggs etc. Have stabilizing effect on blood sugar. (produces glucagon)

Fats -

MAJOR MACRONUTRIENTS Carbohydrates – Starches, grains, or

simple sugars . Has most direct effect on blood sugar (see glycemic index)

Proteins –Meat, dairy, eggs etc. Have stabilizing effect on blood sugar. (produces glucagon)

Fats – Saturated, Polyunsaturated, or Monounsaturated sterols. Energy storage and insulating effect. (essential and non essential)

WHAT ARE OMEGA 3’S?

WHAT ARE OMEGA 3’S? Double bond fatty acids are indicated

by the Greek letter O followed by a number indicating the location of the first double bond in the molecule.

WHAT ARE OMEGA 3’S? Double bond fatty acids are indicated

by the Greek letter O followed by a number indicating the location of the first double bond in the molecule.

Fish oil supplements contain EPA’s and DHA’s

WHAT ARE OMEGA 3’S? Double bond fatty acids are indicated

by the Greek letter O followed by a number indicating the location of the first double bond in the molecule.

Fish oil supplements contain EPA’s and DHA’s

Some evidence suggests a lowering effect on fasting glucose levels

MY BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Date Time Fasting Blood Glucose

11-22-11 5:40 am 100 mg/dL11-29-11 5:13 am 99 mg/dL12-6-11

6:00 am

97 mg/dL

12-13-11 5:15 am 95 mg/dL