This news comes from an Australian population-based study. Data was taken from the 2009 to 2010 Victoria Health Monitor survey.  The vitamin D status of 3,393 Australians living in the state of Victoria was recorded. The study participants were aged between 18 and 75 years. The results showed that vitamin D status was inversely associated with risk markers for type 2 diabetes.

People with a higher level of vitamin D in their blood had a 39 percent lower fasting blood glucose and 26 percent lower glycated haemoglobin level than people with low vitamin D. This relationship remained despite high blood pressure, obesity, physical activity and elevated blood fats, which are all traditional risk factors for type 2 diabetes. So vitamin D was able to offer protection against type 2 diabetes for individuals at high risk.

The researchers believe vitamin D is beneficial because it is required for healthy beta cell function and insulin secretion in the pancreas. Vitamin D also helps to lower inflammation in the body. Chronic low grade inflammation hampers the action of insulin and can make a person develop syndrome X or type 2 diabetes. In Australia it is estimated at least 31 percent of the population is vitamin D deficient. Australia is a sunny country where many people spend their spare time outdoors. If you live in a part of the world that doesn’t receive much sunshine, or you are working indoors all day, you are likely vitamin D deficient.

Very few foods contain much vitamin D, therefore sunshine on your skin is the most important way to get enough of this vitamin. Specifically it is UVB rays that convert cholesterol compounds in your skin into vitamin D. It is not always safe or appropriate to spend a lot of time in the sun, therefore many people require a vitamin D supplement. The next time you see your doctor, ask for a blood test. You may be surprised with the result.

Apart from vitamin D, you can also significantly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by following a low carbohydrate diet. If you have syndrome X or type 2 diabetes, I strongly recommend you take berberine, as it can reverse insulin resistance and help to normalise blood sugar.

Reference