Diabetes Risk Increased By Low Vitamin D

A recent study further confirms the belief that low vitamin D can increase an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also shows that the vitamin offers other benefits to a person's health, especially when it is incorporated with a program of proper diet and exercise.

This most recent study, which was conducted by a team of Australian scientists, shows the importance of the proper level of vitamin D, which is mainly derived from sunlight. Supplements can also deliver the correct dosage, although sunlight is still the preferred method of delivery.

The charity known as Diabetes UK is also in the midst of funding their own study into the supplement. A spokesperson for the charity, Victoria King, noted her concern over the results.

“There is growing evidence that shows an association between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but it is important to note that whether this actually causes type 2 diabetes is still unknown,” said King.

This study was compared to another similar one which showed those individuals who had high levels of vitamin D cut their risk of developing diabetes by nearly half. But vitamin D has also surfaced as aiding in preventing other health concerns, too.

The risk of heart disease can also be dropped by half when a person has high levels of vitamin D. It has also been shown that appropriate levels can also prevent the thinning of bones in the elderly. This is good news since so many elderly individuals suffer fractures from falls, many of which shorten their lives.

“It is not possible to recommend supplements to reduce the risk based on results of this study and people should not see this as a quick fix,” added King.

According to results from a previously conducted study, as many as 600,000 new cases of cancer are also diagnosed each year as a direct result of vitamin D deficiency. These cases are located all around the world, with a significant number of them occurring in northern Europe.