It’s well known that we all need good levels of vitamins and minerals in our bodies to ensure that we function properly. But it’s only recently that we are beginning to realise that having deficiencies can actually put us at serious risk of long-term and dangerous diseases. That has been confirmed by a new study which suggests that low levels of vitamin D can increase your risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Researchers affiliated with the Naval Research Center and the University of San Diego published their findings in the medical journal Diabetologia. The study examined blood samples from 1,000 active military personnel. The samples had been taken and then frozen, and those used were all individuals who had later developed type 1 diabetes.
The researchers divided the samples into five groups depending on their levels of vitamin D. They concluded that those with low vitamin D levels had higher risk of insulin requiring diabetes than those with higher concentrations.
Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone but is more common in children, adolescents and young adults. Insulin is a hormone produces by cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed to move your blood sugar into cells, where it is later used for energy. In type 1 diabetes, these cells produce either very little or no insulin.
Without the correct levels of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. This means the body is unable to use this glucose for energy. This can then lead to developing type 1 diabetes.
Vitamin D can be absorbed through the skin when you are exposed to sunlight. It is also possible to get your daily intake through dairy products, specifically cow’s milk. Getting enough can ensure that you don’t put yourself an unnecessary diabetes risk.
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