You are here: PharmacyArticlesDiabetes CanadaDiabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Read more articles on: Diabetes Canada Published on: August 10, 2020 Last Updated On: September 3, 2020 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Diabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells destroy the insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Various factors are associated with vitamin D deficiency, and Type 1 diabetes is one of them. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, obtained from sun or diet. Adequate vitamin D levels are important to prevent the death of pancreatic cells and improve insulin levels. It thus helps in managing sugar levels in individuals with type 1 diabetesTable of Contents Diabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D DeficiencyDiabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Deficiency EffectsDiabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Deficiency Health RisksHow to Increase Your Vitamin D Intake?Diabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D SupplementsOther Health Benefits of Vitamin DDiabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D DeficiencyThe body’s immune cells are responsible for fighting disease-causing organisms. However, in autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, the immune cells wrongly attack beta cells. Beta cells of the pancreas are responsible for producing insulin. Researchers believe that these beta cells have vitamin D receptors, which are proteins that allow the binding of vitamin D to the cells. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells thus results in vitamin D deficiency.There are two forms of vitamin D, D2 and D3, which are then converted to calcitriol, the usable form of vitamin D. Calcitriol suppresses autoimmunity, preventing damage of beta cells in Type 1 diabetes.Diabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Deficiency EffectsVitamin D aids insulin secretion in various ways. It enters the beta cells and interacts with receptors that stimulate the insulin gene, increasing the insulin secretion. It also prevents autoimmune destruction of beta cells by altering the effect of protein secreted by the immune system. Lastly, vitamin D regulates the use of calcium by the body – calcium playing a significant role in insulin secretion.Inadequate vitamin D impairs insulin secretion, making it difficult to manage sugar levels.Here is how vitamin D affects Type 1 diabetes:Various studies have shown that giving vitamin D supplement in early childhood lowers the risk of Type 1 diabetes.Another study has shown that higher levels of vitamin D during the last trimester of pregnancy lowers the risk of Type 1 diabetes in the baby.ALSO READ Ozempic vs. Rybelsus: Side effects, results, price & ease of useHowever, ones genetic makeup decides whether vitamin D supplementation can help in preventing type 1 diabetes.The association of vitamin D and Type 1 diabetes depend on:Vitamin D binding proteinVitamin D receptorEnzymes responsible for vitamin D supplementsA study in Canada has shown that vitamin D deficiency also increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D Deficiency Health RisksThe main function of vitamin D is the metabolism of bones; and deficiency of vitamin D results in loss of bone density, which causes osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. The bones are weak and are thus at an increased risk of fracture.According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are:Bone and muscle painFatigueBrittle bonesMuscle weaknessDepressionOther disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency are:High blood pressureObesityPsoriasisAutoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosisChronic fatigueAlzheimer’s diseaseType 2 diabetesCancerHow to Increase Your Vitamin D Intake?Food items rich in vitamin D are:Beef liverMushroomsFatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerelCheeseEgg yolksYou can also get vitamin D from fortified food items such as: Breakfast cerealsMilkOrange juiceSoy drinksDairy products such as yogurtDiabetes Type 1 and Vitamin D SupplementsIf you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, the physician might advise a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Ideal vitamin D levels are 20-56 ng/ml, and levels below 20 are considered as deficient. Based on your levels, your doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements. According to Canada.Ca, a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU aids in improving vitamin D levels. However, higher vitamin D levels can be harmful to certain health disorders, such as kidney failure. It is thus recommended to consult your physician before taking vitamin D supplements.Other Health Benefits of Vitamin DAdequate vitamin D levels aid in managing blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes, as well as helping to suppress autoimmunity present in Type 1 diabetes. ALSO READ Type 1 Diabetes and Iron DeficiencyVitamin D also has other health benefits, such as:Manages appetite: Type 1 diabetes is often associated with increased hunger. Vitamin D regulates the hormone that provides the sensation of satiety and controls body fat storage, giving the feeling of having eaten enough, lowering your appetite.Aids in weight loss: Adequate vitamin D levels are seen to reduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which triggers weight loss.Decreases belly fat: Improved vitamin D levels lower the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, responsible for regulating blood pressure levels. Higher levels of cortisol are associated with increased visceral or abdominal fat.If you have Type 1 diabetes, talk to your doctor about your vitamin D levels and get it tested. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 3889 Views Share