People who eat plenty of oily fish may have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Finnish scientists looked at the role of serum long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in relation to the development of type 2 diabetes. These fatty acids are found in oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines.

To date, findings from studies on the links between fish consumption and type 2 diabetes have been unclear.

The scientists looked at over 2,200 men aged between 42 and 60. These men were followed up for an average of 19 years, during which time, over 400 developed type 2 diabetes.

The participants were divided into four categories depending on how much of these omega-3 fatty acids they consumed. The study found that those who consumed the highest amount were 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who consumed the lowest amount.

The scientists said that people should include at least two fish meals per week and this should preferably be oily fish.

However, they emphasied that as well as this, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly ‘constitute the cornerstones of diabetes prevention'.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Diabetes Care.