Can vitamin D prevent pre-diabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes?

Research suggests that vitamin D may help delay or prevent the progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals with certain genetic variations.

What is the role of vitamin D in diabetes prevention?

Vitamin D is believed to play a role in blood sugar control, potentially influencing insulin release and reducing the risk of developing diabetes in pre-diabetic individuals with specific gene variations.

What are the risks of taking high doses of vitamin D for pre-diabetes?

Taking high doses of vitamin D without medical advice is cautioned against, as excessive intake can lead to health issues like calcium buildup, weakened bones, and kidney damage. The NHS recommends no more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) daily.

Home / Health / Vitamin D May Halt Diabetes Progression

Vitamin D May Halt Diabetes Progression

23 Apr

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Summary

Vitamin D might help delay or prevent pre-diabetes progression.
A study found a 19% lower risk of diabetes with high vitamin D.
Genetic variations influence vitamin D's effectiveness for diabetes prevention.

An estimated 6.3 million people in the UK have pre-diabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated. Emerging research suggests that vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, could help delay or prevent this progression. Scientists found that pre-diabetic adults with particular genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor gene had a significantly reduced risk of developing diabetes when supplemented with high daily doses of vitamin D.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 2,000 US adults with pre-diabetes. Researchers observed that individuals with AC and CC gene variations responded positively to high-dose vitamin D, experiencing a 19% lower risk of developing diabetes. However, those with the AA gene variation did not show the same benefit.