Vitamin D is a steroid nutrient that is involved in calcium metabolism. Children deficiency Vitamin D can grow weak bones prone to breakage. Adults who are deficient in Vitamin D can suffer from mineral loss in the larger bones, making them more prone to fractures and breakage when elderly. As well, osteoporosis can develop in those deficient in Vitamin D.
An Italian study published in the March issue of Diabetes Care measured vitamin D levels in over 900 adults with diabetes and matched controls. They found that 61% of those in the Diabetes group had low vitamin D levels, while only 43% of the participants in the control group had low levels of Vitamin D.
Several factors were found to increase the likelihood of Vitamin D deficiency in the diabetic group. Women were more likely to be lacking, as were those with poor blood sugar control, on insulin therapy, and those taking anti-lipid medications for high blood pressure.
They also measured the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the diabetic group. A total of 31% of diabetic participants also had heart disease. In prior studies heart disease has been strongly associated with a deficiency in Vitamin D.
With all this information in hand, researchers from Italy recommended routing screening for Vitamin D levels in patients diagnosed with Diabetes, type one or two. They also recommend the need for supplementation to protect against damage to bones and increased risk for heart disease.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 10, 2006 06:29 PM
