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]
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
