Type II diabetes affects more than 30 million individuals and the youth account for 20% to 50% of new onset diabetes cases.

Previous research has demonstrated low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of type II diabetes. Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in reducing inflammation and inhibiting β-cell destruction. 

According to a new review this week in BMC Endocrine Disorders, researchers investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycemic control of type 2 diabetes patients.

This review consisted of 46 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) consisting of 2,164 patients that had vitamin D supplementation and 2,149 placebo patients. The pooled analyses for HbA1c showed a significant change between the intervention and placebo group. In addition, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and significant change in HOMA-IR after vitamin D supplementation. The subgroup analyses showed the most efficacy in a higher dose (>2000 IU daily) and short intervention period (<12 weeks) and in individuals with a vitamin D deficiency.

This study demonstrates the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. It is essential to take a vitamin D supplement containing vitamin K or taking a vitamin K supplement in addition to vitamin D to optimize the level of each vitamin and prevent against arterial calcification. It is important to maintain optimal levels of all the fat-soluble vitamins as more and more research demonstrates their intricate interrelationships with other nutrients.

There is no evidence for an ideal ratio between D and K1 or K2, however, we need to optimize each vitamin. It is also important to note their no toxicity of vitamin K.

All chronic conditions are multifactorial and vitamin D is many times just a small part of the picture. It is important to look deeper and address other common deficiencies such as magnesium, vitamin C, glycine, and essential fatty acids. Other nutrients that can help therapeutically include inositol, lipoic acid, delta and gamma tocotrienols, chromium, zinc, and berberine. Many of these nutrients play a synergist role with one another and it is important to have adequate levels for optimal function.

By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS

Source: Farahmand MA, Daneshzad E, et al. What is the impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control in people with type-2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails. BMC Endocr Disord. 2023 Jan 16;23(1):15.

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