Medically Reviewed By:
Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is under the spotlight worldwide. The surface of almost all cells in the body has receptors for vitamin D attachment. It means vitamin D plays a role in most metabolic functions. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been associated with bone deformities, muscle weakening, fractures, cancer, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and heart problems. Here, we will discuss the possibility of the occurrence of diabetes because of vitamin D deficiency.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (commonly called diabetes) is a collection of metabolic conditions mainly related to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). The cause of diabetes is abnormal glucose metabolism due to defective insulin secretion, insulin function, or both.
The risk factors for diabetes are family history of diabetes; age; obesity; physical inactivity; smoking; ethnicity; hypertension; high blood cholesterol levels; and sleep quality and quantity.
Chronic diabetes causes damage to the structure and function of multiple organs, like the eyes, kidneys, and heart. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), weight loss, blurred vision, and excessive hunger (polyphagia).
There are different types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes) is caused by the destruction of β cells in the pancreas by the body’s antibodies.
- Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and a lack of compensatory insulin secretion.
- Gestational diabetes results from insulin-blocking hormones secreted by the placenta during pregnancy.
Is there a likelihood of type 2 diabetes because of vitamin D deficiency?
Insulin resistance occurs in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of insulin is to allow blood glucose absorption into cells for energy. When the concentration of blood glucose keeps increasing, β cells in the pancreas produce higher levels of insulin. However, after some time, the cells stop responding to the effect of insulin.
Vitamin D deficiency causes insulin resistance. Mutations in the genes responsible for vitamin D metabolism should impair its production, transfer, and function in the body. At the same time, these mutations have been found to reduce insulin secretion and cause insulin resistance.
Long-lasting inflammation in the body increases the chances of developing T2D. Vitamin D functions to prevent chronic inflammation. Studies show that it can bind to inflammation-causing cells (macrophages) in the body. Inside the cell, it arrests the formation of chemical messengers (cytokines) responsible for chronic inflammation.
Type 2 diabetes can cause complications affecting small vessels of the retina (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and peripheral nerve (neuropathy). These complications increase the progression of the disease and the chances of death. Substantial evidence points out that VDD increases the chances of developing diabetic complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and diabetic foot ulcers.
Are vitamin D and diabetes type 1 related?
Insulin-producing pancreatic β cells are destroyed in type 1 diabetes (T1D). As a result, either no or little insulin is produced. Evidence suggests that VDD occurs along with T1D. The presence of low vitamin D concentrations impairs the function of beta cells.
Many studies prove that giving early vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplements to infants reduces the risk of developing T1D throughout adulthood. The dose and the age of administering the supplement affect the risk of T1D. A study (2010) of 80 patients with T1D shows that vitamin D supplementation prevents the death of insulin-producing beta cells. Thus, it improves insulin production and secretion.
We understand that VDD is related to T1D. However, further research is needed to understand the direct impact of VDD.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
