- Individuals with prediabetes who take vitamin D might have a slightly reduced risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, as suggested by one study.
- Researchers believe vitamin D could aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and may help reduce insulin resistance.
- Experts offer tips on how these insights could fit into your daily health practices.
Having prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are elevated but haven’t reached the diabetes threshold yet. If you don’t adjust your lifestyle, though, type 2 diabetes could be imminent. The encouraging part is there are several straightforward changes that could help prevent diabetes. One study even indicates that vitamin D can lower blood sugar levels in those with prediabetes.
The link between vitamin D and blood sugar control might seem unexpected, but doctors suggest there’s merit to it. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin D has various functions, like aiding calcium absorption, promoting bone health, calming inflammation, boosting immune response, and—importantly—regulating blood sugar metabolism. Despite this promising connection, experts caution against neglecting prescribed treatments or regimens in favor of supplements. Here’s a look at the research and its implications.
Meet the experts: Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D, a vitamin D researcher at Rutgers; Jessica Cording, R.D., author of The Little Book of Game Changers; David Cutler, M.D, family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center; Ankit Shah, M.D, professor in Endocrinology at Rutgers; Anastassios Pittas, M.D., co-author of the study.
The study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society analyzed nearly 4,500 participants from 10 clinical trials on prediabetes. Findings showed that 18.5% of those taking vitamin D achieved normal blood sugar levels, compared to 14% in the placebo group. Overall, those with prediabetes who consumed vitamin D had a higher chance of attaining normal blood sugar.
This raises the question: could vitamin D influence blood sugar management? This topic is still under investigation, but it’s not the first time vitamin D has been associated with diabetes management. A scientific review in the Annals of Internal Medicine from 2023 evaluated three trials concerning vitamin D’s effects on individuals with prediabetes. It found that over a three-year period, 22.7% of those taking vitamin D developed type 2 diabetes, in contrast to 25% among placebo recipients.
The differences aren’t enormous, suggesting that while vitamin D supplementation might not guarantee diabetes avoidance, there’s a consensus among many experts that it does hold potential.
One hypothesis is that vitamin D may affect glycemic control, or how your body manages blood sugar, according to Jessica Cording, R.D.. “Vitamin D is in fact a hormone,” she notes. Having adequate vitamin D levels could theoretically aid in regulating other hormones, thereby supporting your endocrine system’s function, which, as Cording explains, is critical to glucose regulation.
Moreover, vitamin D is linked to a decreased risk of insulin resistance, whereby the body struggles to use insulin effectively. Insulin facilitates sugar transport to cells for energy, and insulin resistance is often both a characteristic of prediabetes and a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
“Furthermore, vitamin D may possess anti-inflammatory properties, as inflammation is a recognized risk factor for diabetes,” remarked Ankit Shah, M.D.
However, a lot remains uncertain in this area. “The specific ways vitamin D might lower type 2 diabetes risk isn’t clearly understood yet,” noted Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D. Yet she acknowledged that data indicates low vitamin D levels may correlate with impaired pancreatic function and insulin resistance, both of which contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes.
On the flip side, it’s possible that this correlation doesn’t hold much weight, said David Cutler, M.D.. He pointed out that while many studies may show associations, numerous others also report no such links that often go unnoticed.
Should I take vitamin D to help manage blood sugar?
Currently, there’s no formal recommendation regarding the use of vitamin D for blood sugar management in those with prediabetes. However, if you’re at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, Christakos suggests getting your vitamin D levels checked. If found to be low, your doctor might endorse taking a vitamin D supplement to bolster various aspects of your health, not just blood sugar.
Dr. Shah concurs, stating, “While vitamin D deficiency and diabetes are distinct issues requiring different treatments, addressing one may have positive effects on the other.”
If your doctor recommends a vitamin D supplement, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations, according to Anastassios Pittas, M.D.. “Vitamin D should be seen as part of a comprehensive diabetes prevention strategy, rather than a standalone fix,” he said. “In studies involving vitamin D and diabetes prevention, participants averaged about 4,000 IU daily. That could be a practical starting point, though individual needs may vary based on lifestyle and weight.” There’s also a risk of vitamin D overdose, which could lead to toxicity and associated complications, such as elevated calcium levels, kidney stones, and in extreme situations, heart issues or kidney failure, according to the NIH. Thus, consulting a physician before starting any supplement is crucial.
Other ways to lower type 2 diabetes risk
Dr. Shah emphasizes that being diagnosed with prediabetes does not mean you’re destined for type 2 diabetes. “It raises your risk, but it can be prevented or at least delayed with several well-established strategies,” he noted.
This involves adopting a low-glycemic diet, working on weight management (which can influence insulin sensitivity), and staying active, as noted by Dr. Cutler. “These strategies are proven to help in preventing type 2 diabetes and managing blood sugar,” he added. Dr. Shah also suggests minimizing stress and aiming for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Ultimately, it’s essential to discuss your condition with your healthcare provider, who can offer tailored advice on the next steps.
Dietary supplements are meant to complement the diet, not to treat, diagnose, or cure diseases. Always be cautious when considering supplements, particularly during pregnancy or nursing, and consult specialists before giving them to children.
