The Benefits of Vitamin D in Diabetes Management
Vitamin D Supplements Could Improve Diabetes Control
Nov 12, 2009
According to a recent issue of Diabetes Educator, vitamin D is important in the prevention and management of glucose intolerance and diabetes. While increasing vitamin D levels is not considered a cure for diabetes, vitamin D supplements have been shown to be beneficial in treating diabetes, improving insulin secretion and reducing insulin sensitivity. Vitamin D supplements may be beneficial in the prevention of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Joanne Kouba, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., one of the authors of the study, asserts that “management of vitamin D deficiency may be a simple and cost-effective method to improve blood sugar control and prevent the serious complications associated with diabetes." She goes on to suggest that getting enough vitamin D could be the key to delaying or even preventing diabetes. Those already diagnosed with diabetes could see a reduction in complications and better blood sugar control.
Most People Need Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is made naturally by the body when exposed to sunlight. Most dietary vitamin D comes from foods fortified with vitamin D. These sources of vitamin D may not be enough to provide benefits in managing diabetes and heart disease. Supplementation with vitamin D2 and D3 is recommended, especially for children and at-risk adults.
American Children Deficient in Vitamin D
According to Dr. Juhi Kumar of Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, about 70 percent of children in the United States have low levels of vitamin D. This puts them at immediate risk for rickets and for future problems with osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. Guidelines on vitamin D intake recently doubled for children, increasing the recommended daily allowance to 400 IU per day in vitamin D supplements for children and teens.
Vitamin D Benefits
Vitamin D is associated with a number of benefits to the body including the prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease. Recent evidence indicates that supplementation with vitamin D is beneficial to the immune system in the prevention of colds and flu.
Vitamin D May Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetics
Evidence indicates that diabetics have lower blood concentrations of vitamin D and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Low vitamin D levels have been shown to increase the risk of cardiac problems. While raising the vitamin D levels is not considered a cure for cardiac disease or diabetes, vitamin D supplementation could improve their health long term. Screening for low vitamin D levels is available and can identify a deficiency. For most patients, taking a vitamin D supplement makes sense.
Vitamin D is necessary for the long-term health and well-being of the human body. It is difficult to obtain adequate amounts from diet alone and supplementation with vitamin D2 and D3 should be considered by everyone looking to maintain long-term health and vitality.
For More Information
For more information about vitamin D deficiency, see Who's at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency by Natalie Cooper and Natural Sources of Vitamin D by Jennifer Copley.
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