Study points out which VITAMIN can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that supplementation of Vitamin D may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people who already have pre-diabetes, that is, predisposition to develop the disease. According to research, those who took hormone supplements had a 15% lower risk of having diabetes.

To reach this conclusion, researchers from the Tufts Medical Centerlocated in Massachusetts, United States, performed a review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that analyzed the impact of vitamin D on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The scientists looked for studies that included adults who took 4,000 IU of supplements with a follow-up of three years.

In the end, the current study looked at 2,097 participants who took vitamin D supplements and 2,093 who received a placebo, for control. During the analyzed period, 22% of the supplementation group received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In contrast, 25% of the placebo group received the same diagnosis. This represents a 15% relative reduction in the risk of developing the disease among those who receive the supplement.

Read more: When is vitamin D supplementation necessary?

Considering that, in the world, there are about 374 million people with pre-diabetes, the researchers pointed out that vitamin D supplementation can be an inexpensive way to prevent type 2 diabetes in over 10 million people. However, they note that this strategy is less effective than other methods of preventing the disease, such as:

• Lifestyle modifications (which account for a 58% reduction in risk);

• Use of metformin-based medications (which reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31% in people with pre-diabetes).

You study results are not generalizable to the entire population, as the analysis only includes people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Adverse effects related to vitamin D supplementation seen at work included kidney stones, high levels of calcium in the urine or blood. However, the incidence rate was low and supplementation was generally well accepted by participants.

Vitamin D: what are the benefits?

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble steroid hormone for humans. It plays a very important role in strengthening the immune and cardiovascular system, as it promotes increased calcium absorption, improves metabolism and strengthens muscles.

Know more: 6 benefits of sunbathing that go beyond vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D can cause a number of health problems, such as a drop in immunity, bone pain, muscle pain, malaise, fatigue and cramps. In addition, low hormone levels can favor the emergence of some diseases, such as osteoporosis, rickets, flu, colds and heart problems.

The main source of vitamin D is the sun, but it is also possible to obtain the hormone through foods such as tuna, sardines, eggs, cheddar cheese and beef.

Type 2 diabetes: what are the risk factors?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels due to resistance to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose, or its insufficient production by the pancreas. Some risk factors can influence the development of the disease, such as: