Two servings of fish each week has been found to reduce the risk of kidney damage so often associated with diabetes, according to the November issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.  Diabetic study participants who dined on fish less than once each week were 400% more likely to have traces of albumin in their urine than diabetics who feasted on fish two or more times each week.

Epidemiologist Amanda Adler, study co-author, says the protein, albumin, signals the onset of kidney disease, one of the more devastating effects of diabetes.  She thinks nutrients unique to fish most likely stimulate kidney function and improve control over blood glucose levels.

Adler, of the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and her colleagues reviewed data from a broad-based European study of cancer.  To explore the effect, if any, of fish and kidney disease, records from at least 22,300 English male and female cancer study participants, all middle-aged or older, were analyzed.

Only 517 individuals in the study group had diabetes, most of which was type 2.  The research team reviewed dietary data provided by these study participants as well as tested their urine for albumin.  Those eating less than one serving of fish a week were four times more likely to have albumin in their urine, indicating failing kidneys, than those eating fish twice a week or more.

Adler’s research did not categorize the types of fish the study participants ate nor did it consider cooking methods.  The regional English cuisine in the area of study frequently includes canned tuna, cod, haddock, and plaice.  The research team expects the national favorite, fish and chips, was a frequent menu choice although other cooking methods, such as  steaming, broiling, and baking, are healthier options.

To prove conclusively that a fish-rich diet will help diabetic patients fend off kidney damage, larger and more detailed studies are required.  In the meantime, the researchers see little harm in eating more fish, especially when cooked in a healthful way.

Source: USA Today