This Common Vitamin Can Slash Your Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- New research indicates that some people with prediabetes who have specific variations in the vitamin D receptor gene may reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by taking high-dose vitamin D supplements.
- The study analyzed genetic data from over 2,000 adults with prediabetes and found a 19% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in those with AC or CC variants of the ApaI vitamin D receptor gene who took 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
- Previous studies show modest benefits of vitamin D supplementation in preventing type 2 diabetes, but genetic differences may explain variability in individual responses to vitamin D.
- Experts emphasize that vitamin D supplements should not replace lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, which remain the primary methods to reduce diabetes risk in people with prediabetes.
- Genetic testing to identify who might benefit from vitamin D supplementation is not yet routine, so individuals with prediabetes should consult healthcare providers before starting high-dose vitamin D.
