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NATURE’S INSULIN ASSISTANT: THE VITAMIN D BREAKTHROUGH DIABETICS NEED TO KNOW
Recent studies have also demonstrated that increasing vitamin D intake can help support healthy glycemic control—especially for individuals with vitamin D deficiency that struggle with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have identified a key nutritional strategy that can impede prediabetes progression, lower Type 2 diabetes risk, and alleviate symptoms: optimizing your vitamin D levels.
A 2022 study published in Diabetes revealed widespread vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among diabetes patients—affecting 49% of all Type 2 diabetes cases and 57% of female patients.
With 29% of American adults lacking sufficient vitamin D, coupled with 37% having prediabetes and 22 million diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, this relationship represents a significant public health challenge. Let’s explore how vitamin D influences blood sugar regulation.
HOW VITAMIN D REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR AND BLOOD INSULIN SECRETION
A 2017 review published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology highlights findings from animal research showing that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (the biologically active form of vitamin D3) plays a crucial role in triggering insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin, the body’s key metabolic hormone, regulates protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism while maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes involves dysfunction in both insulin production and cellular utilization.
Consequently, insufficient vitamin D correlates with compromised insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin release. People with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes can enhance blood glucose regulation and improve cellular insulin response by boosting their vitamin D3 consumption.
HOW TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN VITAMIN D SUFFICIENCY
However, achieving optimal vitamin D status presents challenges. Obtaining sufficient vitamin D solely through dietary sources and responsible sun exposure proves nearly impossible, leaving high-quality supplementation as the most reliable approach.
Health authorities concur that premium vitamin D3 supplements offer the most effective pathway to reach truly optimal vitamin D levels (specifically, blood serum concentrations of 50 ng/ml).
For those seeking to establish and maintain vitamin D sufficiency, experts recommend selecting a supplement that provides 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 (rather than D2) and preferably includes an integrated fat source for enhanced absorption. (mindbodygreen offers curated recommendations for top-tier vitamin D supplements through their website.)
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