Review suggests vit D delays diabetes onset

A recent review article published by researchers from the USA's Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing concluded that  adequate intake of vitamin D may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes  and reduce complications for those who have already been diagnosed.

One study examined for this review article evaluated 3,000 people with  type 1 diabetes and found a decreased risk among those who took vitamin  D supplements. Observational studies of people with type 2 diabetes  also revealed that supplementation may prevent this disease.

According to the findings, which appeared in the January issue of  Diabetes Educator, many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have  low vitamin D levels. Evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an integral  role in insulin sensitivity and secretion. A deficiency results in part  from poor nutrition, which is one of the most challenging issues for  people with diabetes. Another culprit is reduced exposure to sunlight,  which is common during cold weather months when days are shorter and  more time is spent indoors.