Vitamin D not only helps strengthen bones but can also reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, while supporting blood sugar control, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to bone tissue, the B cells of the pancreas - where insulin is produced - also have vitamin D receptors. This vitamin helps regulate calcium levels inside and outside cells, thereby stimulating B cells to produce and secrete more insulin.
For patients with pancreatic transplantation, vitamin D also contributes to maintaining the survival of post-transplant cells.
Vitamin D helps improve insulin sensitivity. When blood vitamin D levels increase from 25 nmol/L to 75 nmol/L, insulin sensitivity can increase by about 60%.
Diabetes is related to the inflammatory response in the body. Vitamin D helps regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing insulin resistance.
Vitamin D has two main chemical forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Both of these can increase the total amount of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D2 is mainly found in plant foods, while vitamin D3 is found in animal foods.
