Diabetes and Vitamin D

Over the last several years, vitamin D has become a hot topic. In fact, vitamin D deficiency has long been suspected to be a possible risk factor for glucose intolerance. This is a common condition found in people who have poor control of their diabetes. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight or supplements.

In a recent study, it was found in a vitamin D deficiency is common in people who have poor control of their disease. The study found that only 8 out of 124 participants were taking vitamin D supplements. Approximately 18 million people in the United States have already been diagnosed with diabetes, but about 6 million more are believed to have the condition and not know it.

Vitamin D has an active part in regulating pancreatic beta cells which then create insulin. In the aforementioned study, 113 of the 124 patients were deficient in vitamin D. This is common in people who have diabetes or don't have diabetes. However, the average A1c result was higher in patients who had a severe vitamin D deficiency. There were also racial differences found showing that people of color have lower vitamin D levels than Caucasians. This also correlated with poor diabetes control.

People who have low levels of vitamin D can supplement easily by taking a pill once a day. Doctors should continue to monitor levels via blood testing to make sure that the vitamin D levels are rising adequately on a supplement. Having the optimal vitamin D levels also helps with energy levels and cancer prevention.

photo by Nyboer Creative