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Low vitamin D levels may increase type 2 diabetes risk

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D testing may be important for individuals who are at risk for type 2 diabetes, as a new study has found that lower levels of the nutrient may further increase a person's chances of developing the metabolic condition.

After examining the blood test samples from a group of participants, researchers the University of Ulm found that higher levels of the nutrient in the blood put individuals at a lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, while those with lower levels were more likely to develop the condition.

The researchers said that vitamin D is known to mitigate inflammation, which many experts say plays a role in the progression of metabolic disorders. Low levels of the nutrient may allow inflammation to run unchecked, eventually leading to type 2 diabetes.

"A targeted improvement in the supply of vitamin D to the general public could at the same time reduce the risk of developing diabetes."

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a common problem in the U.S., just as type 2 diabetes is growing in prevalence. The findings suggest the two phenomena may be linked.