In a recent study by Dr Sapicha and her colleagues, building on their earlier research on the same topic, found that a simple and cheap supplement of omega 3 oils is effective in reducing "pathological retinal neovascularization". That is the damage done to the blood vessels which can lead to an array of complications culminating in blindness. It is a serious condition in diabetes. They reported that their studies on mice suggests "that _-3 PUFAs (omega 3s) may be profitably used as an alternative or supplement to current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for proliferative retinopathy and points to the therapeutic potential of _-3 PUFAs and metabolites in other diseases of vasoproliferation. She was quoted on ABC radio as saying that the drugs for diabetic retinopathy cost around $4000 a month or $10 for the omega 3 supplements.
This builds on a large amount of research on the benefits of omega 3 oils for both the prevention and treatment of diabetes. For those interested all the details of the study are provided below.
Sci Transl Med 9 February 2011: Vol. 3, Issue 69, p. 69ra12 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001571.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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