Low Vitamin D Levels and Diabetes

The prominent function of vitamin D is assisting in calcium absorption. Secondly, it is also essential for maintaining a health immune system. One of the special features of this vitamin is that it is naturally synthesized under the skin when one is exposed to sunlight. However, sometimes, due to malnutrition or inability to get exposure to sunlight, one may suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This condition can give rise to several symptoms or side effects like disorders of the bone, increased risk of fractures. Another disorder that can develop due to low levels of vitamin D is type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin D and Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that develops when sufficient amounts of insulin is not produced or when the body fails to utilize the insulin produced in the body. The exact cause for this disorder is unknown. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for causing diabetes, like obesity, family history, presence of high levels of cholesterol in the body, having chronic high blood pressure. Now, according to the recent studies, it has been found that low levels of vitamin D in the body have also been associated with type 2 diabetes. Researches found that over a period, people who suffered from vitamin D deficiency developed type 2 diabetes, than those who did not suffer from this deficiency. So, why does this happen?

Although it has been found that there is a link between low vitamin D levels and diabetes, there is no evidence to prove the exact cause. It is believed that low levels of this vitamin is one of the risk factors for glucose intolerance. Secondly, people who already have type 2 diabetes, and suffer from vitamin D deficiency, may have difficulty in controlling it. Vitamin deficiency is also associated with poorly controlled diabetes. Therefore, it can be concluded that these conditions may be the reason why diabetes is one of the side effects of low vitamin D.

There have also been studies which conclude that people who have adequate amounts of vitamin D are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes. Deficiency of vitamin D has also been related to mortality in people suffering from type 1 diabetes. It was found that babies or children who lived in places with sunnier climates were at a lower risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes than those living in cold climates.

It is necessary to mention here that vitamin D deficiency is NOT the cause of diabetes. It can be one of the risk factors or contributing factors. Secondly, it should also be noted that having vitamin rich diet or supplements do NOT help in treating or curing diabetes. There is no cure for this disorder; just measures to bring it under control and prevent its complications. Vitamin deficiency can be treated with the help of diet, supplements and medication. You should look out for symptoms and consult a doctor immediately for the same.

Having a balanced diet and exposure to sunlight for 10-15 minutes daily, can help in gaining all the required amounts of vitamin D. Therefore, you can try to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes as much as possible. Take care!