Increasing Vitamin D Can Reduce Type 2 Diabetes by 55 Percent

People who get plenty of vitamin D can cut their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by 55 percent, according to the review of over 100,000 people in 28 studies….

Researchers from the Warwick Medical School, UK, reviewed 28 existing studies on almost 100,000 people looking at vitamin D levels among middle-aged and elderly people. They also found high levels of vitamin D reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 33 percent.

Around 90 percent of our vitamin D comes from sunshine and experts warn that people should be sensible about sun exposure — 30 minutes twice a week on the face and arms with no sunscreen is the maximum safe exposure for adults and children.

“The study suggests that there is a link between higher levels of vitamin D and lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” said Dr. Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK.

“However, it does not show that vitamin D levels are a direct cause of these reductions in risk. Diabetes UK would be very interested to see results of clinical research following people over a period of time to establish the long-term beneficial effects of increased levels of vitamin D.”

“What we do know is that an unhealthy lifestyle, having a large waist or being overweight can cause Type 2 diabetes.”

“Diabetes UK recommends that people should eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat, sugar and salt, and do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”

journal Maturitas, Feb.2010