Vitamin D is important for regulating the amount of calcium that your body absorbs. In addition to its role in maintaining calcium levels, vitamin D might also help control your fasting blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D or any other supplement.
Vitamin D Physiology
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be made by the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Some foods, such as bread, cereals, milk and juices, are often fortified with vitamin D to prevent deficiencies. Vitamin D can also be found in egg yolks, fish and beef liver. Vitamin D is important because it allows your intestines to absorb calcium efficiently. A lack of vitamin D can cause your calcium levels to get too low.
Importance
Your blood glucose levels are important because elevated blood glucose levels can lead to diabetes. High blood glucose in diabetics can cause many health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy and changes in vision. Lower blood glucose levels signify that you have your diabetes under control.
Vitamin D and Blood Glucose
Vitamin D can be combined with calcium supplements to affect your blood glucose levels. A study published in a 2007 issue of "Diabetes Care" examined the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on blood glucose levels in nondiabetic adults. This study found that people taking vitamin D and calcium had lower blood glucose levels, suggesting that taking vitamin D supplements could be of benefit for people without diabetes. In theory, these supplements could also help diabetics regulate their blood glucose levels.
Considerations
Although vitamin D might be beneficial for controlling your blood glucose levels, its use as a technique to lower blood glucose is controversial. A 2011 article in "Nutrition Reviews" notes that the evidence that suggests a role of vitamin D in the treatment of diabetes is not conclusive and more research needs to be done. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D or any other type of supplement.
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