Raising vitamin D levels shown to prevent 80% of type 2 diabetes cases

(NaturalHealth365)  It’s been well-established that low vitamin D levels can jeopardize health, leading to immune system malfunctions and a higher risk of cancer.  However, recent research on vitamin D – out of the University of California San Diego – has found that getting enough vitamin D is crucial to preventing type 2 diabetes in around 80 percent of cases.

Can you imagine how much money we would save on healthcare costs – if we just had sufficient vitamin D levels throughout society?

Type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic in the United States, affecting a staggering 10 percent of the population.  That’s right: over 30 million adults now have this devastating disease, and 84 million have prediabetes symptoms.  Yet, the simple act of getting enough vitamin D – something we should all be doing anyway – could make all the difference in avoiding this condition.

Higher vitamin D levels associated with better blood sugar control

For the 12-year cohort study, 900 participants were assessed for their vitamin D levels and whether or not they developed diabetes. None of the participants had diabetes at the beginning of study. Participants with 30 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) of vitamin D had only one-third the risk of developing diabetes as compared with those who showed vitamin D levels under 30 ng/mL.

Those with the highest vitamin D concentrations (of 50 ng/ml or more) showed an even lower risk for type 2 diabetes – they were five times less likely to get the disease than those with low vitamin D. The research results were published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Vitamin D levels are far from the only factor in the development of diabetes.  Genetics (in a small way), dietary and lifestyle choices all play a role.

High doses of vitamin D can bring profound health benefits

The sun is the best source for vitamin D, but it can also be obtained through diet and (most importantly) supplementation – especially for those that are deficient.  The National Academy of Medicine recommends taking 600 IU of vitamin D per day; however, much higher amounts are recommended for those with a deficiency or living in cloudy or higher latitude climates. (which included most people throughout North America)

Taking amounts ranging from 4,000 IU to 10,000 IU has brought great health results to many. Even higher amounts have been taken without adverse side effects; however, a healthcare professional or holistic doctor should be consulted before starting a high-dose vitamin D regimen.

Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer with proper vitamin D supplementation

Getting sufficient vitamin D is also associated with a lowered risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer and liver cancer.  The key point is that vitamin D strengthens the immune system and supports cellular repair.  It is also highly beneficial to cell division, reproduction and DNA functioning.

Ultimately, type 2 diabetes is triggered by many factors, including high blood sugar resulting from poor dietary choices and insufficient exercise.  While taking vitamin D should not be the only step taken against the disease, it is a significant part of any (intelligent) health routine.

Sources for this article include:

PLOS.org
NaturalHealth365.com
NaturalHealth365.com