Vitamin D Supplementation And Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes Nejm
Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or the inability of the body to produce enough insulin.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for good health. It plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps to regulate the immune system and can reduce the risk of certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — an important source of fuel for your body. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Can Vitamin D Supplementation Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people who are at high risk for the disease.
The Study
The study involved 2,423 adults who were at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The participants were randomly assigned to take either a vitamin D supplement or a placebo pill for an average of 2.5 years. The researchers found that those who took the vitamin D supplement had a 12% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who took the placebo pill.
How Does Vitamin D Help?
The exact mechanism by which vitamin D helps to prevent type 2 diabetes is not fully understood. However, vitamin D has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is important in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D may also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies depending on age and other factors. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that adults aged 19-70 get 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day, while those over the age of 70 should aim for 800 IU per day. However, some experts recommend higher doses of vitamin D for certain people, especially those who are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin D supplementation may be an effective way to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in those who are at high risk for the disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of vitamin D in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. If you are considering taking a vitamin D supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor first to determine the appropriate dose for you.