Prediabetes and diabetes affects 105 million individuals in the United States, according to a 2011 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood sugar levels signals prediabetes. Prediabetes is a sign that an individual has a high risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Vitamin D and calcium may play a critical role in reducing blood sugar levels.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in the absorption of calcium. When your body does not have enough vitamin D, you are unable to generate significant amounts of calcitriol, the hormone activating vitamin D. Calcium cannot be absorbed from dietary intake when the body has insufficient amounts of calcitriol. Sources of vitamin D include absorption of sunlight by the skin and consumption of fortified-vitamin D products and vitamin D supplements.
Consumption
According to a 2007 review study published in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," low consumption of vitamin D and calcium are associated with type-2 diabetes. Individuals consuming low amounts of vitamin D and calcium significantly increased their risk of developing diabetes. Supplementing your diet with vitamin D and calcium may aid in preventing type-2 diabetes in high-risk populations, such as individuals with glucose intolerance.
Glucose Tolerance
Individuals with diabetes and prediabetes possess impaired glucose tolerance, meaning their body has difficulty processing sugar. According to a 2011 study published in the "American Society for Nutrition," diabetic individuals eating yogurt fortified with 500 IU of vitamin D twice a day over 12 weeks improved their body's ability to regulate glucose. Among prediabetic individuals, supplementation of vitamin D improves insulin sensitivity, the release of insulin and insulin resistance. Vitamin D and calcium may directly enhance the functioning of the pancreas with insulin secretion.
Weight Loss
Overweight status is a risk factor for diabetes. Vitamin D blood levels decrease with increased weight. Overweight or obese women losing 15 percent of their body weight significantly increased their levels of vitamin D, regardless of the foods they consumed, according to a 2011 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D levels may get trapped or diluted in excess fat.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; The Role of Vitamin D and Calcium in Type-2 Diabetes. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; A.G. Pittas, et al.; June 2007
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Daily Consumption of Vitamin D- or Vitamin D+ Calcium-Fortified Yogurt Drink Improved Glycemic Control in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial; B. Nikooyeh, et al.; April 2011
- "Endocrine Practice"; Vitamin D Role and Use in Prediabetes; E. Barengolts; May 2010
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 105 Million in U.S. Have Diabetes or Prediabetes, CDC Says; 2011
- U.S. Department of health and Human Services; Weight Loss in Heavy, Obese Women Boosts Vitamin D Levels; 2011
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age; January 2011
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