Vitamin D curbs insulin resistance
Type 2 diabetics have a number of natural helpers at their disposal.
For instance: the amazing D.
About five years ago I told you about an important vitamin D study. Researchers found that healthy subjects with the lowest D levels had higher risk of type 2 diabetes symptoms such as insulin resistance.
New research from New Zealand shows that high doses of vitamin D3 supplements may actually help prevent development of type 2 diabetes.
About 40 women with insulin resistance were given 100 mcg of D3 daily for six months. Another group of about 40 received placebo.
Women in the group that received D3 showed three remarkable outcomes compared to women in the placebo group:
- Insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance were both significantly improved
- fasting insulin levels were reduced
So here’s yet another reason to ask your doctor for a blood test that will reveal your vitamin D levels.
But a word of caution: I know of at least one lab that’s charging a very high rate to check for D in blood samples. I don’t know if there’s a valid reason for this extra charge, or if it’s a response to so many people asking for this test.
Check with your diagnostic lab and your insurance company to avoid inflated charges.
Source:
“Vitamin D Supplements Show Anti-Diabetes Potential” Stephen Daniells, NutraIngredients, 10/27/09, nutraingredients.com
