Vitamin D May Prevent Diabetes

There are numerous studies linking a lower blood level of vitamin D to a higher risk of diabetes. The latest is from researchers at Emory University in Atlanta.

The researchers studied 221 people with and without type 2 diabetes. They found that people with type 2 diabetes had 25% lower blood levels of vitamin D than people who didn't have diabetes — 22.9 ng/ml, compared to 30.3 ng/ml.

That might not look like a huge difference. But 30 is the benchmark cited by many experts as the minimum level necessary to help prevent the chronic diseases now linked to D deficiency, like diabetes — and cancer, heart disease, arthritis and many others. Levels below 20 are recognized even by the most conservative experts as a deficiency.

Though getting vitamin D from supplements is a good thing, I still think sunlight is the best source. So spend time playing outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, whether you're 5 or 95. The best rule of thumb (and the rule for the rest of your body, too) is Avoid sunburn, NOT sunshine!

Reference

"Vitamin D Insufficiency in Diabetic Retinopathy," Payne JF, Ray R, Watson DG, Delille C, Rimler E, Cleveland J, Lynn MJ, Tangpricha V, Srivastava SK. Endocr Pract. 2011 Sep 22:1-18. [Epub ahead of print]