Low Levels of Vitamin D Can Put You at Risk of Getting Type 2 Diabetes

Recent studies have shown that individuals who have low levels of vitamin D could be at risk of becoming obese and have higher insulin resistance. This does not prove that vitamin D deficiency is directly connected with type II diabetes, but these findings are certainly useful for future studies. However, one of the team members working on these researches said that although it was difficult to prove any causation, vitamin D deficiency could be one of the contributing factors, when it comes to type II diabetes.

Other studies will have to determine the connection between obesity in children and low vitamin D levels. Another study was done in order to see if there was a connection between eating habits of children (who were obese) and low levels of vitamin D. Blood sugar levels were measured, as well as serum insulin, blood pressure, and BMI (body mass index). The participants had to be specific about their dietary habits. They were asked if they consumed fruit, milk, and juices. Skipping breakfast was one of the issues discussed with participants.

According to Dr. Frame, there is a connection between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of type II diabetes, but more researches will have to be done to determine precise causation. Vitamin D supplements are used in people who are genetically predisposed to type II diabetes, as a preventive measure. Taking vitamin D supplements can help in preventing diabetes, but it can also protect your from other diseases, like multiple sclerosis, some types of cancer, various infections that develop due to weakened immune system, osteoporosis, rickets, and some skin disorders (vitiligo, psoriasis, etc.)

Vitamin D is naturally produced in the skin, but in some cases, this process cannot be performed properly. For example, people who have dark skin need to expose the skin to the sunrays more often (and longer), compared to white-skinned people. People who suffer from certain diseases may have problems with converting vitamin D into its active form. Finally, people whose sun exposure is limited for any reason, often lack vitamin D.