Vitamin D and Diabetes

Recent research has concluded that adequate intake of vitamin D may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and reduce complications for those who have already been diagnosed.

This vitamin deficiency may also be associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and heart disease

Many people with diabetes have low levels of this vitamin. It plays an important role in insulin sensitivity and secretion. Deficiency results in part from poor nutrition, which is one of the most challenging issues for people with diabetes. Another cause lack of enough exposure to sunlight - especially during cold weather months when days are shorter and more time is spent indoors.

Studies of people with type 1 diabetes have found a decreased risk in disease for people who take vitamin D supplements. Studies of people with Type 2 diabetes also revealed that supplementation may be important in the prevention of this disease.

Managing this deficiency may be an easy and inexpensive way to improve blood sugar control.

Diet alone may not be sufficient to manage your "D" levels. A combination of adequate dietary intake of this vitamin, exposure to sunlight, and taking vitamins D2 or D3 supplements can decrease the risk of diabetes.

If you are at risk for diabetes, you should be screened for low levels of the D Vitamin. This will help you to detect a nutrient deficiency early on so than you can improve your long term health.