Deficiency of vitamin D is increasing the blood glucose levels in Indian women who are in the pre-diabetic stage, as per a new study.
The study, conducted by Fortis C- Doc in association with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Diabetes Foundation of India and National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, is known to be the largest study regarding pre-diabetes and vitamin D in women in world.
The Study
For the study, 797 women aged between 20 and 60 were chosen after a strict screening process. These women were carefully evaluated on parameters like blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, personal & family medical histories, socio-economic characteristics and overall duration of sunlight exposure.
Results
The researchers concluded that vitamin D deficiency is widespread among Indian women as 68.6% were found to be ‘deficient’. 26% were found to have ‘insufficent vitamin D’ while only a meagre 5.5% had ‘sufficient vitamin D’.
The study also found that the lesser the levels of vitamin D, higher were the levels of blood sugar. This indicated an inverse relationship between the two.
Researchers also found that women from lower socio - economic groups had a higher vitamin deficiency that those from higher socio - economic groups. Even menopausal women who suffered from both calcium and vitamin D deficiencies were also at a higher risk of bone damage.
Earlier, in May 2018, researchers from Salk Institute in the US, had found that vitamin D could help treat damaged beta cells in pancreas that produce, store and release the hormone insulin, paving the way for a new approach to treat diabetes.
The authors of this study suggest that supplementation with vitamin D may prevent diabetes in India women.
Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the immune system, brain and nervous system and is essential to maintain healthy bones. Further, vitamin D helps in reducing the risk of type-1 diabetes, risk of flu and supports lung function and cardiovascular health.
Sources of vitamin D are limited and mostly present in seafood, eggs, mushrooms and milk. However, in India, a major section of the population is either vegetarian or does not include these foods in their diet.
The study has been published in the British Medical Journal.
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