Diabetes and Vitamin D

Diabetes is characterized by high glucose level in blood. Blood carries glucose to different parts of the body, which obtained through assimilation of the food. Glucose breakdown releases energy and allow the body to perform its necessary work. Glucose level in blood is maintained by insulin, a chemical, produced by pancreas cells of pancreas. Diabetic condition occurs when either pancreas cells fail to produce enough insulin or by the inability of cells of other organs to utilize the secreted insulin. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, insulin producing β (beta) cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body's own immune system and there by insulin production decreases. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In this form, cells from other organs such as muscles and liver can not use the secreted insulin. Prior to develop type 2 diabetes, pancreas of anyone is known to function normally and secrete as much as insulin required by the body. But over the time, however, it loses its ability to produce sufficient amount of insulin. Thus when patient with type 2 diabetes intake more glucose rich food, the blood glucose level increases beyond the normal level and can be fatal. During the late stage of pregnancy, some women develop diabetes known as gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born but the woman who has had it, is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Regular exercise and proper diet help controlling the glucose level in one's body. In severe cases medication is required to avoid the severity of Diabetes. Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes leads to many complication like heart attack, blindness, kidney failure and leg ulcers. A recent study, conducted in the National Public Health Institute, Finland, has shown that a good dose of Vitamin D can help protect anyone against diabetes. Another study has shown that Vitamin D supplements in early childhood may cuts the development of type 1 diabetes in later life. Researchers have found that low blood levels of Vitamin D interfere with the proper function of insulin-producing cells. Low Vitamin D levels also result in an increase in the risk of insulin resistance, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Sunlight helps synthesizing vitamin D in human body. So, consider stepping into the sunshine if you want to increase your own vitamin D levels by natural and thereby reduce the risk of developing diabetes.