Introduction

Scientists say that maintaining “healthy” levels of the vitamin, which is important for metabolism and bone formation, may be one way to prevent the development of diabetes.

The “Silent Killer”

Diabetes has been called the “silent killer” because many people with it don’t realize it because it often doesn’t show early symptoms. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, while type 1 is a lifelong condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. The second type occurs when the body cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes and Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes is more common, accounting for about 90% of cases. It is usually caused by lifestyle factors such as being overweight or not exercising enough, although it can be inherited.

The Role of Vitamin D

However, a new study has found that a deficiency in a particular vitamin can also increase your risk of developing the condition.

And revealed a scientific review published in the International Journal of Environmental and public health research suggests that people with vitamin D deficiency are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is already known to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation in the body.

However, a growing body of evidence suggests that it supports healthy blood sugar levels and metabolism, such as its role in regulating immunity.

The Need for More Research

The results show that most people don’t get enough vitamin D, said Lee Frame, assistant professor of clinical research at the George Washington College of Medicine and Public Health in the US.

Frame and her colleagues found that while the results were mixed, there was evidence that vitamin D deficiency in people with prediabetes was associated with a higher risk of developing the condition into diabetes.

Frame stressed that more research is needed to see if vitamin D supplements alone can be used to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

She pointed out that perhaps exposure to sunlight has benefits beyond vitamin D, which may indicate that the dietary supplement is not enough.

The study concluded: “Research confirms the relationship between vitamin D adequacy, autoimmune function, and disease prevention. However, these relationships are not fully understood.”

“Further research is critical as there are still many unanswered questions regarding vitamin D status and conditions such as type 2 diabetes,” Frame said.

Sources of Vitamin D

In addition to sunlight, vitamin D can be obtained from:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
• Red meat
• Liver
• Yolk
• Foods fortified with the vitamin, such as some spreads and breakfast cereals.

Source: Express