Vitamin D - Diabetes and Other Blood Sugar Disorders

Vitamin D - Diabetes and Other Blood Sugar Disorders
by James K. Robinson

to the T cells, also called killer cells in describing their capacity to kill invading
infections, the T cells are not able to fight off the serious infections as they are
programmed to do.

Diabetes and Vitamin D
It has been conjectured that diabetes may create an increased requirement for
vitamin D and that a deficiency in the vitamin may lead to a decrease in insulin
production, typical of type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Insulin is an essential hormone
needed to assist the acceptance of blood sugars by the cells of the body.

If that is really the case, then the conclusion must be that those suffering from
diabetes could be helped by obtaining higher intakes of vitamin D than they currently
do. There are several other diseases caused or worsened by a lack of Vitamin D, is it
possible that diabetes should be added to that list?

It is well known that deficiencies in vitamin D cause the bone disease called rickets in
young children. Rickets was first identified as a vitamin D deficiency in the 1920s and
scientists soon found a way to synthesize the vitamin and then add it to everyday
food items such as breakfast cereals and milk. Those fortified food products and
many others are still the most relied upon sources of vitamin D for growing children,
adults, and the elderly. But it is not known how much Vitamin D is really needed for
total good health. There is no official Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) as there
is for many other nutrients. There is only a suggested amount, referred to as
"Adequate Intake" that is used because there isn't enough data to confirm what is
actually the correct amount and thereby set a fixed and final value.

Recent research shows higher intake of Vitamin D is effective.
It would appear from recent research, including that of the University of Copenhagen
that there are several reasons pointing to a need to raise the daily vitamin D
requirement substantially from the current daily Adequate Intake amount of 200
International Units (IU) for everyone aged from newborn to 50 years of age, 400 IU
for those 50 years old up to 70, and 600 IU for those of 70 years and older.

In the March 2010 issue of Endocrine News, a professional publication for practicing
clinicians, researchers, and scientists in the field, a featured article on vitamin D
expressed some frustration with government authorities who stick to the current
Adequate Intake amounts. According to professor Bruce W. Hollis of the Medical
University of South Carolina, "The lack of vitamin D is responsible for an incredible
array of diseases." He further states that insufficient levels of the vitamin are linked
to several types of cancers, cardiovascular disorders, multiple sclerosis,
autoimmunity and other chronic diseases including diabetes. Dr. Hollis takes 4000 IU
daily.

Other scientists have suggested that 5000 IU is an appropriate daily intake for those
at high risk of vitamin D deficiency to prevent bone diseases in all ages.

Perhaps it is time to discuss this issue with your doctor.
For the diabetic population, those who are already diabetic and those who have
prediabetes, also a condition of higher than normal blood sugar levels that often
develops to full diabetes, I would suggest that in light of the foregoing described
research and scientific opinion it would be worthwhile to discuss the matter fully with
your doctor.

I do have higher than normal blood sugar levels and for me, and others like me, the
constant battle to control the condition does spoil the quality of life. I will be
discussing this with my doctor who I hope is up to date and informed on the matter.

But The American Diabetes Association does not advocate higher intake
levels. The American Diabetes Association takes a cautious view, not advocating
any increase in vitamin D intake above the current recommended levels.

In a Research Summary, the American Diabetes Association, states that more
studies are needed to determine whether more calcium and vitamin D is able to
prevent diabetes and its complications. Their position statement says: "There is no
clear evidence of benefit from vitamin or mineral supplementation in people with
diabetes (compared with the general population) who do not have underlying
deficiencies."

About The Author

James K. Robinson

I am long-time diabetic writing on the subject of diabetes. For more information on
other diabetes topics please visit my websites: and also
. Worth a visit, check it out!

New research discoveries into vitamin
D and its role in human health could
be of special interest to a large
number of those North Americans
who have the disease called diabetes,
a serious and incurable condition that
is characterized by the presence of
higher than normal blood sugar levels
throughout the body.

Discoveries recently announced by
scientists at the University of
Copenhagen report that Vitamin D
plays a critical role in activating the
body's immune system defenses and
unless enough vitamin D is available

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.