Vitamin D deficiency linked to diabetes

Nearly three out of every five patients with type 2 diabetes show signs of vitamin D deficiency, which could influence the development of cardiovascular disease, report Italian scientists.

Studying the blood levels of 459 people with type 2 diabetes, the scientists found that the rate of vitamin D deficiency was 61% higher than in non-diabetics. In all, 31% of the people with diabetes had cardiovascular disease, which was strongly associated with low vitamin D levels.

Most New Zealanders should be able to get adequate vitamin D from daily sun exposure, but those in at-risk groups (the elderly and people who wear full-body clothing for religious or cultural reasons) are advised to eat more fatty fish, or use fortified milk or margarine.

Source: Diabetes Care, March 06, 29:722-724