Vitamin D May Help Prediabetes and Diabetes

A study found that vitamin D reduces the risk of diabetes by 15% and boosts regression to normal glucose levels by 27% in people with prediabetes. But what if you already have diabetes? Well, vitamin D also helps people with diabetes if they have a deficiency.

A PubMed study reviewed 10 trials (4478 participants, over 6 months, through July 3, 2024). The result is that oral vitamin D increases the likelihood of regression to normal glycemic levels in adults with prediabetes (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11938431/).

In a Prevention article that cites the studies, Dr. Ankit Shah, assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, states, “While vitamin D deficiency and diabetes are two separate issues that have different treatment strategies, there might be a benefit such that treating one issue may have positive spillover effects on the other.”

Anastassios Pittas, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Tufts Medical Center, adds, “Vitamin D should be viewed as part of an overall diabetes prevention plan, not a stand-alone solution” (https://www.prevention.com/health/a70249472/vitamin-d-lowers-blood-sugar-study).

How Does Vitamin D Help Manage Diabetes?

Research shows vitamin D may help manage blood sugar in those with existing deficiencies.  Vitamin D reduces inflammation, stimulates and improves the pancreas’ natural insulin secretion, improves insulin sensitivity, and improves glucose levels.

Supplementing with Vitamin D

According to new research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes have a vitamin D deficiency. Keep in mind that the American Diabetes Association advises you should only supplement if you have a deficiency.

The Standards of Care in Diabetes, published by the ADA, are guidelines based on scientific research and clinical trials that help healthcare professionals make treatment decisions about diabetes.  

From the Standards of Care:  

• “Without underlying deficiency, there is no benefit from herbal or nonherbal (i.e., vitamin or mineral) supplementation for people with diabetes.”

The best way to determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency is to consult with a healthcare professional to determine your specific vitamin D needs and whether supplementation is necessary. 

Natural Sources of Vitamin D

Fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, mushrooms, and fortified milk and cereal are some foods that provide vitamin D. However, these foods may not have enough amounts to make a difference in vitamin D levels.

Even with sunshine, you might not get enough vitamin D all year because of things like weather, time of year, your skin tone, and whether you use sunscreen.

Be aware that too much vitamin D can cause toxicity, resulting in hypercalcemia, which is the excessive absorption of calcium by your body. Hypercalcemia can cause an upset stomach and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Furthermore, it may cause bone pain and kidney stones.

Conclusion

In short, research points to vitamin D potentially helping those with prediabetes and diabetes achieve better insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. And while this is promising, it should be used as a complementary treatment and not a replacement for treating diabetes. Vitamin D can also improve metabolic health and glycemic management. Work with your doctor on testing your levels and determining your specific needs.

Quote

“If you want to know if you’re getting vitamin D or not it’s very simple:

When you’re outside, look at the ground; look at your shadow. If your shadow is not sharp and shorter than you are tall, you are not getting significant amounts of vitamin D.”
― Linda Benskin

Disclaimer

Please remember this is not medical advice or intended to replace the advice of your doctor. These treatments do not intend to cure any disease. Please do not self-diagnose. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying new treatments.

Also, natural does not mean safe. Many natural remedies have side effects and can interact with medications and supplements. It should be noted that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like food and not medication. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement makers do not have to show that their products are safe or effective.

I ask you to please keep an open mind; be a diabetic detective and do your own research; work with your healthcare team; see what works best for you, and monitor your blood sugars.