Researches have shown that low vitamin D levels and diabetes are connected with each other. Low vitamin D levels can worsen diabetes and lead to problems with controlling this condition.
Vitamin D is very important for normal growth and development of the body. It keeps the immune system healthy and strong, takes part in bone mineralization and helps in preventing various problems.
This vitamin is produced in the skin during the sun exposure. A white-skinned person has to spend 20-25 minutes in the sun to get enough vitamin D (three times a week), while dark-skinned people need to spend more time in the sun (at least half an hour) to have vitamin D produced in the skin.
People who live in cold climates may have low levels of vitamin D because their sun exposure is limited. Older people are also at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin D, because the ability of the body to convert this vitamin into its active form decreases as we age. Babies who are exclusively breast-fed may lack vitamin D because there is not enough vitamin D in the mother’s milk. That is why doctors advise mothers to use formula milk, in addition to breast milk.
Vitamin D deficiency may show no symptoms in the beginning. The signs will occur relatively late, when a person is already deficient in vitamin D. The symptoms usually include:
● Constant fatigue
● Low energy levels
● Pain in muscles
● Weakness
● Bone fractures
● Rickets in children
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious problems. It can also make the existing problems worse. People who suffer from high blood pressure can experience problems with controlling hypertension. Cholesterol levels can also become higher. Patients with type 2 diabetes can have difficulties controlling this disease. Let us see how type 2 diabetes is related to vitamin D deficiency.
Low Vitamin D Levels and Diabetes
Some experts believe that long-term deficiency of vitamin D can lead to problems that can cause type II diabetes. More researches will have to be done to confirm this, but the connection between these problems certainly exists. Other researches have shown that people who already have type II diabetes, and have vitamin D deficiency, can experience problems with controlling diabetes.
What Is Type II Diabetes?
This condition belongs to the group of autoimmune diseases. It can affect both adults and children. It occurs when the body lacks insulin. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown. However, we know that certain factors can trigger this problem. These factors include:
● Obesity
● Stress
● Genetics
● High cholesterol levels in blood
● Hypertension
Low levels of vitamin D may increase cholesterol levels in blood, and can also lead to hypertension. According to certain studies, vitamin D deficiency is related to obesity. People who have extremely low levels of vitamin D have difficulties losing weight. As you can see, low levels of vitamin D are closely related to all those problems that can lead to diabetes.
It is important to keep vitamin D levels normal, in order to stay healthy. According to numerous researches, vitamin D can help in preventing various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and even some types of cancer. Vitamin D deficiency alone cannot cause diabetes, but it can trigger other problems that are related to diabetes.
If you are genetically predisposed to problems like hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes, talk to your doctor about prevention. Measure your vitamin D levels and control your health! During winter, it is very important to get this vitamin. Your doctor can give you vitamin D supplements to take during winter.