Known largely as the sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D does more than just ‘build bones’. Studies conducted over decades demonstrate that Vitamin D functions as a hormone, which controls cell behavior regarding sugar metabolism, fat processing, inflammation response and blood pressure regulation, beyond its traditional role in calcium absorption and bone strength maintenance. Research now shows that low vitamin D levels increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease and heart disease. The body’s metabolic operations become less efficient when Vitamin D levels are low, because this leads to poor management of blood sugar, weight and cholesterol levels. Dr Idris Dawaiwala, in his latest IG post, tells us more…The relationship between Vitamin D and its impact on insulin function and blood sugar levelsThe pancreas contains Vitamin D receptors, which enable Vitamin D to affect insulin production, as well as the muscle and fat tissues where insulin performs its actions. Studies performed in laboratory settings and medical research facilities, show that pancreatic beta cells generate insulin more efficiently, when Vitamin D reaches adequate levels and when body tissues improve their ability to receive insulin signals. The body becomes less responsive to insulin when blood glucose levels are low; this condition, known as insulin resistance, leads to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Research conducted on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes patients, shows that Vitamin D supplements produce minimal blood sugar decreases, and better insulin function in people who have low Vitamin D levels. The treatment method functions as a therapeutic tool, which helps patients control their blood sugar levels but it should not replace their current medical treatment or dietary plan.
Vitamin D, cholesterol, and liver fatThe liver functions as the main organ which regulates fat metabolism, while producing cholesterol and controlling triglyceride levels, and it also responds to changes in Vitamin D levels. Research indicates that Vitamin D affects genes controlling fat absorption, fat metabolism, and how the liver processes fats. People with metabolic syndrome or fatty liver disease tend to develop atherogenic LDL patterns, characterized by rising triglycerides, decreasing HDL cholesterol, and low vitamin D levels. Some interventional studies report that correcting deficiency can slightly improve triglycerides or markers of fatty liver, likely by reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity in the liver. The small individual changes become more important, when patients achieve weight loss through diet improvement and exercise, which results in better lipid profiles.Why Vitamin D deficiency is so commonMany people who eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, still have vitamin D levels that are too low. This occurs because people spend most of their time indoors during sunny periods, as glass windows prevent UVB rays from entering the body to produce Vitamin D through skin synthesis. Even though sunscreen is important, it also prevents the body from producing Vitamin D. People with darker skin need more time under the sun because their skin contains more melanin, which blocks UVB rays thus increasing their risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency when they stay indoors in cities. The body stores Vitamin D in fat cells, because it is a fat-soluble vitamin which results in decreased blood levels of this nutrient. Medical conditions which include malabsorption, liver and kidney diseases, and particular drugs decrease Vitamin D levels and prevent its activation process.Links to diabetes, PCOS, and fatigueThe body reveals Vitamin D deficiency through its impact on insulin signaling, inflammation and hormone regulation, resulting in diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol and persistent fatigue. The development of type 2 diabetes results in decreased levels, leading to worse blood sugar management, increased body resistance to insulin and higher risks of developing metabolic syndrome symptoms. The condition PCOS frequently shows Vitamin D deficiency, which research suggests leads to worse insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles and weight gain problems, however, taking supplements will not fix these issues. People who complain of unexplained fatigue, aches, or “low energy”, sometimes turn out to have low Vitamin D, as one contributing factor among others like sleep, thyroid, anemia, or stress. A Vitamin D test for these patient groups serves as an additional diagnostic tool, which helps doctors identify treatable factors that could enhance the effectiveness of other medical interventions.
When and how to check Vitamin DMost patients do not require routine testing during their medical check-ups, but doctors should perform Vitamin D tests on patients who have diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome, PCOS, obesity, osteoporosis or unexplained persistent fatigue, and body aches. The 25‑hydroxyvitamin D blood test shows results indicating vitamin D deficiency, insufficient levels, or adequate levels based on established guideline thresholds. Those who want to prevent vitamin D deficiency, should consume fortified milk, eggs and fatty fish while getting limited exposure to sunlight. Those who need to treat their vitamin D deficiency must take supplements as their main treatment, but only after consulting a doctor.
