Gorging on vitamin D won’t keep diabetes at bay

A new study has revealed that there is no substantial proof that vitamin D helps in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in people. The study conducted by scientists at the University of

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 7, 2014 5:25 pm

A new study has revealed that there is no substantial proof that vitamin D helps in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in people. The study conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, challenge evidence from earlier observational studies which suggested that higher concentrations of circulating vitamin D might prevent type 2 diabetes. Also Read - Akshay Kumar, Piyush Mishra, Sonam Kapoor and more Bollywood celebs who opened up on facing sexual abuse in childhood

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The researchers found no association between different gene variants that control vitamin D levels and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the study also examined the link between vitamin D status and several physiological characteristics of type 2 diabetes, such as glucose and glycated haemoglobin, and also found no evidence of a causative link. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

Dr Nita Forouhi, at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, said that observational studies that show a strong and consistent higher risk of type 2 diabetes with lower levels of vitamin D might do so because they have thus far not been able to adequately control for distorting or confounding factors, such as physical activity levels, that may be related both to vitamin D levels and to the risk of type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed with both betterclinical trials and better observational studies with more precise measurement of important factors that might affect vitamin D and disease relationships, Forouhi added.

The study is published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.

Here are 10 tips to prevent diabetes

1. Get your sugar levels checked: A lot of people have prediabetes (fasting sugar: 100-125 mg/dl) and are totally clueless about it. A blood sugar test will help you to understand whether you re prediabetic and what are your chances of developing diabetes. If you get diagnosed with prediabetes, then you can take the right steps and prevent it from transforming into irreversible diabetes. Here are things you should know about prediabetes.

2. Change your lifestyle: Sometimes, small changes can make a huge difference. Lifestyle intervention for preventing diabetes is the best example for this. Several studies on diabetes prevention programme have proved that diabetes can be prevented effectively by giving up sedentary lifestyle and adopting healthier changes. Read more about sedentary lifestyle and diabetes risk.

3. Eat healthy: Eat a healthy diet that has low calories, especially low saturated fats. Trials have shown that fat intake should not exceed 30 percent of the total calorie intake, whereas saturated fats should be restricted to just 10 percent. Include more of vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, dairy products and sources of omega 3 fats. Also, increase your fibre intake. Read more about 10 tips to prevent diabetes

With inputs from ANI

Photo source: Getty images

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Published : October 1, 2014 6:09 pm | Updated:October 7, 2014 5:25 pm

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