Are you concerned about your Vitamin D level while living with diabetes? Individuals who live with type 2 diabetes and take a vitamin D supplement tend to have lower hemoglobin A1C levels (HbA1c) compared to those who do not take a vitamin D supplement.1 HbA1c is an average measure of blood glucose levels from a 3-month period, and is represented by percentage (normal values of 4.0 – 5.6%, pre-diabetes values of 5.7 – 6.4%, or diabetes values of 6.5% or higher). Vitamin D is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and supports the immune system.2
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), additional research studies have determined that higher Vitamin D intake can lower the risk of insulin resistance.3 About 4 in 10 adults are Vitamin D deficient worldwide. Vitamin D is found in only a few foods, such as dairy, egg yolks, and fatty fish. Our main source comes directly from the sun. That’s why Vitamin D is referred to as the “sunshine” vitamin”.3 If you’re an individual who lives with diabetes, have your Vitamin D level and HbA1c checked to maintain optimal health.
For more information, please visit these references:
- Phillips Q. Taking Vitamin D Leads to Lower A1C Levels in Type 2. Diabetes Self-Management. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/news%20research/2021/10/29/taking-vitamin-d-leads-to-lower-a1c-levels-in-type%202/#:~:text=Larger%20A1C%20reductions%20seen%20in%20those%20taking%20vitamin%20D&text=After%20six%20months%2C%20the%20average%20A1c%20level%20was%206.48%25%20in,and%206%2Dmonth%20period.%E2%80%9D Published October 29, 2021. Accessed March 28, 2023.
- Vitamin D. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792. Published February 9, 2021. Accessed March 28, 2023.
- Low Vitamin D May Contribute to Insulin Resistance. Low Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance | ADA. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/vitamins-diabetes/low-vitamin-d-insulin-resistance#:~:text=Vitamins%20%26%20Diabetes ,Low%20Vitamin%20D%20May%20Contribute%20to%20Insulin%20Resistance,2%20diabetes%20and%20its%20complications. Published 2023. Accessed March 28, 2023.
- Johnson LE. Vitamin D Deficiency – Disorders of Nutrition. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d-deficiency #:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20deficiency%20is%20most,can%20also%20cause%20the%20deficiency. Published March 15, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2023.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.