3. Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes
Compared to other illnesses linked to vitamin D deficiency, the connection between low levels of the nutrient and diabetes is clear.
Some experts believe the link has to do with the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance and sensitivity. Another theory claims the link is related to the role of vitamin D in inflammation because patients with type 2 diabetes also have higher chronic inflammation.
A recent review showed that when vitamin D is deficient, numerous cellular processes in the body start to break down, and this paves the way for the onset of diseases such as diabetes.
However, similar to other illnesses linked to vitamin D deficiency, doctors say that those at risk for diabetes shouldn’t rush into starting an aggressive supplement regimen. A large, multicenter study found that it’s still unclear whether supplementing with vitamin D slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes.
