Jul 11
5
Possibly Prevent Diabetes and Thyroid Disease with Vitamin D
news.yahoo.com
by Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben
Vitamin D Helps to Prevent Diabetes and Thyroid Disease
A new study from Tufts Medical Center in Boston is linking increased levels of vitamin D with a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Vitamin D is also important in managing thyroid disease. There are two types of vitamin D: D2 comes from food and vitamin D3 from sunlight.
Dr. Annastassios Pittas studied 2,039 patients who were at risk for Diabetes, with at risk blood sugar levels. Normal blood sugar levels are: 80-120 on rising before breakfast and before meals, less than 160 after meals and 100-140 before bed. Blood sugar amounts are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A patient is declared diabetic if his blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL after fasting for eight hours.
The patients in vitamin D deficiency tests had pre-diabetic blood sugar levels. They were tested over three years. Blood sugar levels were tested at six months, one year, two years and three years. Participants were divided into three test groups according vitamin D levels. The study found that for every 5 nanograms/milliliter of vitamin D participants dropped their risk of developing diabetes by eight percent. Patients with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/ml (the ideal amount) reduced their risk of diabetes 38 percent.
Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to thyroid disease. Vitamin D regulates calcium and other important bodily functions. Patients with low thyroid functioning also often have low levels of vitamin D. Patients who lack sufficient vitamin D are also at increased risk for auto-immune issues, Hashimoto’s Disease and Graves Disease. I have had some success managing my hypothyroid issues with vitamin D.
There are two important kinds of vitamin D: Vitamin D3, also called ergocalciferol, is available from sunshine, animal products and supplements. When the skin is exposed to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, vitamin D is formed. Vitamin D2, called cholecalcoferol, is found in plant sources and fungus.
This vitamin D research is important for parents, especially. Juvenile and Type 2 Diabetes are increasing in incidence. Type 2 diabetes is generally related to lifestyle choices. Lack of fitness, sedentary behavior, obesity, nutrition and addictive behaviors can lead to diabetes. With a simple addition of vitamin D supplements or increased intake in the diet, parents can positively impact predisposition to diabetes.
Here are foods rich in vitamin D to include in the diet: vitamin D enriched milk, orange juice, ready-to-eat hot and cold cereals and margarine. Foods naturally rich in vitamin D include: tuna, eggs, sockeye salmon, sardines, yogurt, milk, Swiss cheese, liver, mackerel and cod liver oil.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting four children, 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and homeschool and several decades in health research.