Another study shows low vitamin D levels increase diabetes risk

Tue, 06 Dec 2011
A new study from the United States has provided further evidence on the link between a lack of vitamin D and a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially for children. The research suggests a deficiency in the vitamin could trigger the metabolic condition, and that people with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to be obese and have a greater insulin resistance.

However, the scientists, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, whose work was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, did admit that their findings didn’t confirm if a lack of vitamin D was responsible for the disease developing in the first place.

Micah Olson, who led the study, commented "Although our study cannot prove causation, it does suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes."

He also said "Future studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of lower vitamin D levels in obese children, the amount and duration of treatment necessary to replenish vitamin D levels in these children and whether treatment with vitamin D can improve primary clinical endpoints such as insulin resistance."

Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to strong sunlight, as well as from some foodstuffs, including eggs, oily fish and fortified breakfast cereals, so a lack of it is usually associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and poor diet.

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