A recent review of three clinical trials showed a promising connection between vitamin D and prediabetes. Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are elevated and can lead to the development of Type 2 Diabetes and other conditions. According to the CDC, “approximately 96 million American adults—more than one in three—have prediabetes,” with “more than 80% unaware” that they have it [1].
There are interventions that can help prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes and vitamin D can now be added to that list. Researchers reviewed three studies where prediabetic patients were given different dosages of vitamin D: 20,000 IU weekly (500 mcg); 4000 IU daily (100 mcg); or 0.75 mcg daily [2]. Using statistical methods, it was found that those who received vitamin D and had a blood serum level of at least 125 nmol/L (≥50 ng/mL) had a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than the placebo group. To read the full study, click here.
References
[1] – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December). Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html
[2] – Pittas, A.G., Kawahara, T., Jorde, R., et al. (2023). Vitamin D and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in People With Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data From 3 Randomized Clinical Trials. Ann of Internal Medicine. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/epdf/10.7326/M22-3018