Vitamin D May Cut Diabetes Risk

In a study of over 2,000 people with prediabetes, the higher the level of vitamin D in the blood, the lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The three-year study involved 2,039 people with high blood sugar levels. Their vitamin D levels were measured at the start of the study and at six month, one year, two year, and three year intervals.The study participants were divided into three groups according to vitamin D levels in their blood. Participants in the group with the highest 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). One strength of the study is that vitamin D levels were measured at various time points. Past studies often relied on one measurement at the start of the study, which may not have accurately reflected their vitamin D status over time. The analysis also took into account a person's body weight, physical activity, and other factors known to decrease diabetes risk. Researchers caution that some unaccounted for variable could have affected risk, and recommend clinical trials with vitamin D supplements.In a study of over 2,000 people with prediabetes, the higher the level of vitamin D in the blood, the lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The three-year study involved 2,039 people with high blood sugar levels. Their vitamin D levels were measured at the start of the study and at six month, one year, two year, and three year intervals.The study participants were divided into three groups according to vitamin D levels in their blood. Participants in the group with the highest 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). One strength of the study is that vitamin D levels were measured at various time points. Past studies often relied on one measurement at the start of the study, which may not have accurately reflected their vitamin D status over time. The analysis also took into account a person's body weight, physical activity, and other factors known to decrease diabetes risk. Researchers caution that some unaccounted for variable could have affected risk, and recommend clinical trials with vitamin D supplements.