A recent review article that was published by researchers at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing has shed new light on the link between Vitamin D3 and diabetes. Specifically, the researchers found that if a patient is taking at least an adequate amount of Vitamin D3 and diabetes is already diagnosed, the complications that might normally be expected will be reduced, or at least delayed. The entire article can be researched by looking in the January 2009 issue of Diabetes Educator.
Vitamin D has many health benefits beyond those pertaining to Vitamin D3 and diabetes, but it should be of particular interest to diabetics because of the benefits mentioned above and because it plays an important role in sensitivity to insulin and insulin secretion.
Some Scientists Call Vitamin D3 Deficiency an Epidemic
In modern societies, people spend an increasing amount of time indoors. One of the main sources of Vitamin D3 is sunlight exposure. Just 20 minutes of sunlight exposure on the naked skin will help the body make about 10,000 to 15,000 IU’s of Vitamin D3. But along with a lifestyle that keeps people indoors, there are also constant warnings given to avoid sun exposure due to the risk of skin cancer. But just like vegetation, the human body needs some daily sunlight. If you take a plant and put it into a dark closet for a while, it will eventually get weak, withered up, and probably die.
A deficiency of Vitamin D3 and diabetes type 2 links has been pretty clearly established. But the lack of Vitamin D3 is also believed contribute to obesity, High Blood Pressure, Psoriasis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Kidney Stones, Depression, and Osteoporosis, & Neuro-degenerative disease including Alzheimer’s. Vitamin D3 is also believed to increase the health of the immune system, improve the overall mood, reduce pain levels, and increase the body’s neuromuscular function, which reduces the likelihood of falling.
Vitamin D3 and Diabetes Type 1
While most of the research has been focused on Vitamin D3 and diabetes type 2, there are also some benefits associated with Vitamin D3 and diabetes type 1. One study involving 3000 participants with type 1 diabetes found that taking a Vitamin D supplement (Vitamin D3 and D2) decreased the risk of disease. This is an inexpensive way for type 1 diabetes patients to improve their overall health and reduce the risk of complications that arise with other diseases.
Vitamin D3 deficiency may also been linked to hyperglycemia, heart disease, and high blood pressure. An article in Circulation magazine reported that chronic Vitamin D3 deficiency could play a role in heart disease.
