Diabetes type 1 is most common in northern countries: UK, Finland, Norway and Sweden (BMJ- 3 Jan 2013)- along with these countries it is very common in Saudi Arabia. In the northern countries they are short of sunshine and so of vitamin D. In Saudi Arabia they cover themselves and so get very little sun exposure. How does the incidence of DT1 in Scotland compare with England? Could Diabetes UK please tell us? I would expect it to be higher because Scotland is not only further north but also has a more cloudy climate with less sun.
Evidence suggests that lack of vfitamin D in early life is a cause of DT1. By the time DT1 has frank clinical symptoms it may be too late to reverse it by taking vitamin D. However insufficient vitamin D has other adverse health consequences (e.g. see Whitehall study in a very recent BMJ). So it is in the interests of people with DT1 to ensure that their vitamin D level is good. I hope that this is helpful and I would be interested to know what standard advice is on this.
best wishes, Oliver Gillie
Evidence suggests that lack of vfitamin D in early life is a cause of DT1. By the time DT1 has frank clinical symptoms it may be too late to reverse it by taking vitamin D. However insufficient vitamin D has other adverse health consequences (e.g. see Whitehall study in a very recent BMJ). So it is in the interests of people with DT1 to ensure that their vitamin D level is good. I hope that this is helpful and I would be interested to know what standard advice is on this.
best wishes, Oliver Gillie
