Of the dozens of nursery rhymes I've sang and chanted to my kids, Fishy, Fishy has never been a regular. But fish -- especially salmon, sardines and mackerel -- are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and new research reveals omega-3s can possibly prevent type 1 diabetes.

At least that what a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests. Researchers examined 1,770 babies and very young children (0-3) with an increased risk for type 1. Children who had a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids also had less evidence of pancreatic Islet autoimmunity (IA), which is an auto-antibody associated with type 1 progression. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation is considered to be a major factor in the development of type 1 as the body self-destructs its own insulin-producing cells.

Next research steps will examine whether omega-3 supplementation shows protective factors for infants and children. Timing of supplementation may prove an important factor as well.

Considering my siblings and parents all have type 1 diabetes, I've walked around for years knowing I'm on the radar. But when I glance at my kids and contemplate the notion, I'm simply horrified. If there was a prevention pill I could give them each day, I'd buy a lifetime supply's worth. Maybe it's time to start buying those eggs fortified with omega-3s, some flaxseed oil and serve salmon (a good source) instead of tilapia on our fish dinner nights.