Prevent Diabetes with Vitamin D

. . . it boosts your insulin-producing cells  Almost 10% of our population today is diabetic, and if some big changes aren't made, up to one-third of the population is projected to be diabetic by the year 2050. Medical expenses among people with diagnosed diabetes are 2.3 times higher than they would have been without this illness, and diabetes costs the US almost $200 billion a year. But preventing diabetes is really quite easy. A good diet, managing your weight, and exercise are the basics. And one more thing: adequate vitamin D. A recent study found that vitamin D boosts the beta cells -- cells that make insulin, which helps to prevent diabetes. In another study, the same researchers found that those with a vitamin D status of 25ng/ml had a 43% lower risk of developing type II diabetes than those with less than 14ng/ml. Other studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with impaired insulin production and increased insulin resistance.  Vitamin D is one of those molecules that helps body chemistry in so many ways, a deficiency increases your risk of just about every known disease. It's clearly a priority in any health program. Your doctor can check your vitamin D status with a blood test called the 25(OH)D. Make sure your levels are in the high normal range, and if not, give us a call. Our cod liver oil supplies vitamin D with its natural ally, vitamin A and combines them with the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil; and our liquid vitamin D is especially absorbable for people with irritated gut linings as described above in the article on gluten intolerance. There are many different factors that can cause malabsorption in the gut, and most of us these days have absorption problems to one degree or another. Mitri J. Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic beta cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011 Aug;94(2):486-494. Mitri J. Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. advance online publication, 6 July 2011; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.118