Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD

Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD

Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD, the founder of Milk & Honey Nutrition, is a diabetes dietitian (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) renowned for combining her knowledge of diabetes and culinary expertise into easy-to-follow recipes and articles!

Overview

Vitamin D and Diabetes: Key Things to Know

Article Overview

food sources of vitamin d and diabetes

The connection between vitamin D and diabetes is talked about a lot in the media and has been studied for quite some time. 

So, what do you need to know about vitamin D and diabetes? In this article we’ll cover the connection between vitamin D and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes development and treatment. 

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin necessary for our bodies to function. We can get vitamin D from foods we eat and our bodies can make vitamin D under certain circumstances. 

Why do we need vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays a role in many different body functions including:

  • Calcium absorption
  • Phosphorous absorption
  • Building bone matter
  • Immune function
  • Inflammation control
  • Insulin function

Food sources of vitamin D

There aren’t a ton of foods that naturally contain significant levels of vitamin D, but many foods are fortified with vitamin D. 

Natural sources of vitamin D include: 

  • Fish: Salmon, swordfish, tuna
  • Egg yolks

Common foods fortified with vitamin D include:

  • Cereals
  • Orange juice
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
foods sources of vitamin d

Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin

We can get vitamin D through our diets, but our bodies also have the ability to make vitamin D. In fact, most of the vitamin D currently in your body is vitamin D3 that your body has produced as a result of exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. But, depending on where you live and your skin tone, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency and should consult your health care team on whether or not a supplement is right for you. 

Many people are deficient in vitamin D and in need of supplementation.  

vitamin d and diabetes supplement

Are vitamin D deficiency and diabetes linked?

Much of the data we have on vitamin D deficiency and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is what we call an association, not a cause and effect. In other words, we know that vitamin D deficiency is associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but it doesn’t necessarily cause diabetes. 

Can vitamin d affect blood sugar levels?

Research has shown us that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. And vitamin D supplementation may help increase insulin sensitivity. Increased insulin sensitivity can lead to improved blood sugar management. 

supplement for vitamin d and diabetes

Research summary: Vitamin D and type 1 diabetes

Research has shown a link between vitamin D deficiency early in life and later developing type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also associated with certain genetic mutations related to vitamin production and absorption.

Research summary: Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes

Because we know vitamin D plays a role in both insulin production and insulin sensitivity, it makes sense that vitamin D deficiency could also impact your risk for type 2 diabetes. 

Can low vitamin D cause high blood sugar?

From what we can see in the research, low vitamin D is not going to cause high blood sugar in and of itself. But, vitamin D deficiency, along with other factors, may contribute to lower insulin production or sensitivity. 

Can low vitamin D and insulin resistance be related?

Yes, low vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased insulin sensitivity/insulin resistance. 

Can vitamin D reverse diabetes?

Vitamin D supplementation may not benefit people who already have adequate levels of vitamin D. But, people with vitamin D deficiency and impaired glucose metabolism (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes) may benefit from vitamin D supplementation

vitamin d supplement and diabetes

Metformin and vitamin D concerns

After being diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, many people start on Metformin as a first stage of medical treatment to help manage blood sugar levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common side effect of treatment with Metformin so many people naturally wonder if the same is true about Metformin and Vitamin D. 

Metformin does not cause vitamin D deficiency. And, a vitamin D supplement and Metformin do not appear to interact with each other or cause side effects as a result of being taken together. 

Vitamin D and blood sugar: Key things to take away

The key thing to take away from the research to date is that vitamin D deficiency and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are linked, but vitamin D deficiency alone does not cause diabetes. This does mean though that vitamin D deficiency can increase your risk for developing diabetes. 

What about other supplements and diabetes?

A quick scroll online and you’ll see supplements touted for diabetes all over the internet. But, do they really do what they say they do? Read more about diabetes and 20+ supplements here. 

More to explore...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Balance blood sugars optin

Get a Free Guide on Balancing Blood Sugar with Fat, Fiber & Protein

*By entering your email, you also agree to receive our newsletter. Unsubscribe at any time.

This site uses cookies to help improve your user experience. You acknowledge your acceptance by clicking Accept. Read our Privacy Policy here.