Vitamin D For Diabetes Management
Running low on vitamin D may increase risk of heart attack and stroke in people with diabetes, according to a recent study.
For the study, researchers tested cells obtained from 76 vitamin-D-deficient, obese people with diabetes and high blood pressure; 15 obese, diabetic, hypertensive people with normal vitamin D levels; 25 obese, non-diabetic, hypertensive people with vitamin D deficiency; 10 non-obese, non-diabetic, non-hypertensive people with vitamin D deficiency; and 10 non-obese, non-diabetic, non-hypertensive people with sufficient levels of vitamin D. The study looked specifically at macrophage cells, a type of white blood cell that kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates other immune cells into action.
Study results revealed that vitamin D helps keep macrophages from taking in too much cholesterol and turning into foam cells (an early marker of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries).
Although sunlight exposure is a top source of vitamin D, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests getting D from supplements and food in order to minimize exposure to harmful ultraviolet light and reduce skin cancer risk.
Comments
One of the key findings was that women with diabetes (it is likely this also applies to male diabetics also) have a third less vitamin D than people the same age without diabetes.
It is possible that diabetes creates an extra demand of vitamin D reserves.
Ideally all diabetics (and everyone without diabetes) will get their vitamin D levels checked. Grassrootshealth D action campaign offer postal 25(OH)D tests (as part of a trial) at cost price ($40)
Most UK adults have levels around 50nmol/l. 20ng/ml
135nmol/l 55ng/ml is the level associated with least chronic illness, peak muscle performance and at which human breast milk flows replete with D3, all natural biomarkers of vitamin d sufficiency.
Diabetics (because of the extra demands diabetes places on their anti inflammatory resources) may well decide that 60~70ng/ml (150~175nmol/l) is a safer range to stay within.
It takes most people 1000iu/daily extra vitamin D3 to raise status 10ng/ml (25nmol/l) So for most people around 5000~6000iu will see them into that safer 25(OH)D range but regular testing will ensure you are aware of how your body responds to both effective levels of cholecalciferol (vitamin d3) and/or adequate full body midday sun exposure.
The safe upper limit for D3, even in the presence of ample sun availability, is 10,000iu/daily however that amount will be the exception rather than the rule.