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Vitamin D Deficiency and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on by Paula Gallagher

sun-baskingHere's another reason to make sure you are getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown that vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes are linked in that people who do not get enough vitamin D are at higher risk of having diabetes, regardless of their weight. The results show that vitamin D levels were more closely linked to blood sugar levels than BMI, according to the study. Whether or not vitamin D played a role in causing diabetes or other disorders that affect the metabolism of glucose is unknown and further studies will need to be done. “The major strength of this study is that it compares vitamin D levels in people at a wide range of weights (from lean to morbidly obese subjects) while taking whether they had diabetes into account,” said one of the study’s authors, Mercedes Clemente-Postigo, MSc, of Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA). They also went on to say that, "The study suggests that vitamin D deficiency and obesity interact synergistically to heighten the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The average person may be able to reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough outdoor activity." So, decrease your risk for type 2 diabetes – get outside and be active, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit processed and refined foods and take a vitamin D supplement for insurance. Aside from the link to type 2 diabetes, getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. Photo from here, with thanks.
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