Obesity, lack of vitamin D up Diabetes risk

According to a latest study, obese individuals with low levels of vitamin D in their bodies are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Obesity is already a well-known risk factor for diabetes. Insufficient vitamin D levels are also seen as a risk factor. However both of these together ‘increase the odds of insulin resistance’ even more, the study indicates. The study findings are published in the journal, Diabetes Care. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes.

The scientists studied data on almost 6,000 people. They found that obese people with healthy levels of vitamin D in their body were 20 times more likely to have insulin resistance compared to people in the general population. However, the risk of insulin resistance in obese people with low levels of vitamin D was 32 times higher.

“Vitamin D insufficiency and obesity are individual risk factors for insulin resistance and diabetes. Our results suggest that the combination of these two factors increases the odds of insulin resistance to an even greater degree than would have been expected based on their individual contributions,” the scientists from Drexel University in Pennsylvania explain.

Experts feel that if the results of this study are acceptable, then a major segment of diabetic population can either maintain blood sugar levels without medication or with medicines, by simply receiving an annual vitamin D injection.

“Though we live in a country with plenty of sunlight and milk, it is no secret that over 60%-70% population suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Studies done in young educated adults too show almost similar prevalence. I believe vitamin D deficiency will be an aggravating factor and not the cause of diabetes. In early diabetics or those with family tendency of diabetes, a close watch and correction of vitamin D may help avoid or delay onset of diabetes,??? says Dr Ramen Goel, senior bariatric surgeon of Nova Specialty surgery, Mumbai.

“Over 35% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery at our center have type 2 diabetes. Almost all of them have vitamin D deficiency too. Post-surgery, since their vitamin D status is corrected with supplements, it will be interesting to determine the relative contribution of surgery and correction of vitamin D, in diabetes remission after surgery,??? adds Dr Goel.

The scientists say that more research is needed to ascertain whether taking supplements could reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes in people who are obese.