(PRWEB) August 16, 2011
The Institute for Vibrant Living shares a study that suggests Vitamin D reduces the risk of type 2 Diabetes. Good news for people at risk for Type 2 Diabetes! Some recent and ongoing studies suggest that there may now be a safe, inexpensive way to keep this disease at bay: taking Vitamin D supplements.
Background
According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Also known as “adult-onset” (though it is sometimes diagnosed in children) diabetes, this disease is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels and insulin insufficiency.
Long-term complications from type 2 diabetes include increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, limb amputation, blindness and kidney failure. It is estimated that 150 million people suffer from the disease worldwide. In the United States there are 23.6 million people (7.8% of the population) are living with diabetes, 90% of whom have type 2. Because its prevalence has double between 1990 and 2005, the Center for Disease Control has characterized it as an epidemic.
The Research
Tufts University physician Anastassios Pittas conducted a three-year study involving 2,039 people with high blood sugar levels. Their Vitamin D levels were measured at the start of the study and six months, one year, two years, and three years later.
What the researchers found was that for every 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) increase in Vitamin D levels, the risk of developing diabetes dropped by 8%. Vitamin D levels of 30 or higher are considered normal.
The participants in the study were divided into three groups. Participants in the group with the highest third of Vitamin D levels (average reading of about 30 ng/mL) were 38% less likely to develop diabetes than those in the lowest third (average Vitamin D level of 13 ng/mL).
According to Pittas, one of the strengths of this particular study is that Vitamin D levels were measured at various points in time. Previous studies have mostly relied on one measurement at the start of the study, which may not accurately reflect the subject’s Vitamin D status over time.
While these results are very compelling, Pittas and other researchers caution that the results of this study do not definitively prove a cause-effect relationship between Vitamin D and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The study corrected for as many known variables as possible, taking into account a person's body weight, physical activity and other factors known to decrease diabetes risk. But Pittas acknowledges that there could be some unknown, unmeasured variables that affected risk. Pittas says a robust clinical trial in which half the people get Vitamin D and half get a placebo is needed to determine if Vitamin D supplements can stave off diabetes.
ClinicalTrials.gov, a website sponsored by the U.S National Institutes of Health is conducting clinical trials to determine if Vitamin D supplementation can prevent type 2 diabetes in individuals who are at risk for developing it. ClinicalTrials.gov reports that "There are indications that Vitamin D is of importance in glucose metabolism, and that supplementation with Vitamin D may increase both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity." The subjects in this trial will receive an annual glucose tolerance test, and the endpoint of the study will be if subjects develop type 2 diabetes. The study began in March of 2008, and the estimated completion date of the study is March 2016.
The Upshot
The benefits of taking Vitamin D supplements have been touted for years, and now there may be yet another compelling reason to consider taking it. It’s inexpensive and generally safe when taken in recommended doses. However, speak to a health care practitioner before adding Vitamin D to a daily supplement regimen. Though rare, too much Vitamin D can cause kidney failure and may worsen heart disease. It can also exacerbate symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
About the Institute for Vibrant Living®
A leader in the dietary supplement industry, the Institute for Vibrant Living is committed to providing customers with evidence based nutritional supplements. Their unique product line reflects a belief that anyone can achieve lifelong health. All products and formulations are based on extensive research, clinical trials and case studies. All products are 100% guaranteed.
To learn more about the Institute for Vibrant Living® please visit their website at http://www.IVLProducts.com.
This information is meant to be used to educate the reader and is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Please consult a physician or other licensed healthcare professional to determine if taking supplements is appropriate. This information is by the Institute for Vibrant Living®.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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