Introduction
If you’re looking for a way to prevent a major diabetic issue, then you’ll want to pay attention to this new study. Researchers have found that the #1 vitamin for preventing a major diabetic issue is Vitamin D. Eating foods that are rich in Vitamin D can help reduce the risk of developing a serious diabetic complication. In this article, we’ll discuss the findings of the study and provide some tips on how to get more Vitamin D in your diet. We’ll also provide some “Eat This Not That” advice to help you make healthier food choices. So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your risk of developing a major diabetic issue, then read on to learn more.
The #1 Vitamin for Preventing a Major Diabetic Issue, New Study Finds — Eat This Not That
A new study has found that a certain vitamin may be the key to preventing a major diabetic issue. According to the study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, taking a daily supplement of vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, the damaged blood vessels can leak fluid or bleed, leading to vision loss.
The study, which included more than 1,000 people with type 2 diabetes, found that those who took a daily supplement of vitamin D were 40 percent less likely to develop diabetic retinopathy than those who did not take the supplement. The researchers also found that the protective effect of vitamin D was even greater in people with higher levels of blood sugar.
The findings suggest that taking a daily supplement of vitamin D may be an effective way to reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. However, the researchers caution that more research is needed to confirm their findings.
Vitamin D is found naturally in some foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. It can also be taken as a supplement. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 600 IU (international units).
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether taking a vitamin D supplement is right for you. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can also help reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
While everyone should be aware of the impressive and beneficial ways that vitamin D can keep your body healthy while also helping to keep certain physical issues and potential diseases at bay, it’s particularly important for those who have diabetes to know that there’s a very good reason why they should ensure that they’re getting enough vitamin D in their diet.
That’s because a new study has found that vitamin D can prevent a major diabetic issue.
In the study that was recently published by Research Square, researchers took a look at 339 patients from the Department of Endocrinology, Air Force Special Medical Center, in Beijing, China. The patients who were between 60 and 90 years old all had type 2 diabetes while 204 also had diabetic foot ulcers.
Related: The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science
When researchers took a look at the available data, they found that 80.5% of the overall patients had low levels of vitamin D. On top of that, 85% of those with diabetic foot ulcers had a vitamin D deficiency while another 13% had vitamin D levels that weren’t quite high enough to be considered adequate. Only 2% of those with foot ulcers had enough vitamin D in their systems.
“The findings do not surprise me since vitamin D plays a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting immune health,” Johna Burdeos, RD, tells Eat This, Not That!.
When it comes to how vitamin D is connected to diabetic foot ulcers, Burdeos explains that “as with any wound there is potential for infection.” At the same time, “a person with vitamin D deficiency may lack the immune strength needed to mount a strong defense against infection,” which “may lead to a worsening of the diabetic foot ulcer, where it progresses from the early stage of inflammation to tissue death or gangrene due to infection.”
This is why Burdeos suggests “people with diabetes, especially older adults, get screened for vitamin D deficiency and discuss with their doctor if a vitamin D supplement is warranted.”
Beyond that, those with diabetes should “follow up routinely with their medical team—doctor and diabetes educator.” Burdeos notes that “ongoing education on diabetes management and control of the disease are critical components to prevention. In the case of diabetic foot ulcers, education and diabetes management may prevent loss of limb.”
To find out if you have a vitamin D deficiency, be sure to read The #1 Way to Tell If You Need More Vitamin D, Says Dietitian.
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