{"id":143641,"date":"2025-08-13T23:46:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T23:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/143641\/"},"modified":"2025-08-13T23:46:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T23:46:13","slug":"vitamin-d-may-lower-blood-sugar-in-people-with-prediabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/143641\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin D May Lower Blood Sugar in People With Prediabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul data-node-id=\"2\" class=\"css-1wk73g0 emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"2.0\">A new scientific analysis finds that people with prediabetes who take vitamin D have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. <\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"2.1\">Previous research has found a similar link.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"2.2\">Endocrinologists and dietitians explain the link.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"4\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">More than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/communication-resources\/diabetes-statistics.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/communication-resources\/diabetes-statistics.html\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"one in three\" data-node-id=\"4.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">one in three<\/a> American adults has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a40642825\/what-is-prediabetes-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a40642825\/what-is-prediabetes-symptoms\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"prediabetes\" data-node-id=\"4.3\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">prediabetes<\/a>, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. While prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are complicated conditions, new research suggests taking a vitamin D supplement may help lower blood sugar in certain groups. <br data-node-id=\"4.5\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"5\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The study, published in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11938431\/#abstract1\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11938431\/#abstract1\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Journal of the Endocrine Society\" data-node-id=\"5.1.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Journal of the Endocrine Society<\/a>, analyzed data from 10 clinical trials involving nearly 4,500 people with prediabetes. The researchers discovered that 18.5% of study participants who took vitamin D reached normal blood sugar levels, compared to 14% who took a placebo. In all of the trials, the data showed that people with prediabetes who took vitamin D were more likely to develop normal blood sugar levels. <br data-node-id=\"5.3\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"6\" class=\"body-tip css-1707dxl emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"6.0\">Meet the experts<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=christak\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=christak\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D\" data-node-id=\"6.2\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D<\/a>., is a vitamin D researcher and professor of microbiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicacordingnutrition.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/jessicacordingnutrition.com\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jessica Cording, R.D.\" data-node-id=\"6.4\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Jessica Cording, R.D.<\/a>, is author of The Little Book of Game Changers; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.providence.org\/doctors\/profile\/199050-david-m-cutler\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.providence.org\/doctors\/profile\/199050-david-m-cutler\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"David Cutler, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"6.8\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">David Cutler, M.D.,<\/a> is a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; <a href=\"https:\/\/rwjms.rutgers.edu\/people\/ankit-shah\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/rwjms.rutgers.edu\/people\/ankit-shah\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Ankit Shah, M.D\" data-node-id=\"6.10\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Ankit Shah, M.D<\/a>., assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition at Rutgers \u2013 Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1755016279901000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_n3lOYOifPRzUyMSxcJPk\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Anastassios Pittas, M.D.\" data-node-id=\"6.12\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Anastassios Pittas, M.D.<\/a>, is a study co-author and a professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"8\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The connection between vitamin D and blood sugar management seems random, but doctors say there is something to this. But experts warn this does not mean you should forego a regimen or treatment recommended by your doctor in favor of a supplement. Here\u2019s what the research found, and what it may mean.<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"9.0\">What is vitamin D?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/vitamind-healthprofessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-node-id=\"10.1\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/vitamind-healthprofessional\/\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"National Institutes of Health\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">National Institutes of Health<\/a> (NIH). Also known as calciferol, the vitamin helps your gut\u2019s absorption of calcium. If you don\u2019t have enough vitamin D, your bones may become thin and brittle. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"11\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">But vitamin D plays many roles in the body, including reducing inflammation and supporting immune function and blood sugar metabolism, according to the NIH.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Vitamin D is produced by your body when your skin is exposed to the sun\u2019s rays, and it\u2019s also found in some foods, like certain fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified milk and cereal, says <a href=\"https:\/\/jessicacordingnutrition.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/jessicacordingnutrition.com\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jessica Cording, R.D.\" data-node-id=\"12.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Jessica Cording, R.D.<\/a>, author of The Little Book of Game Changers.<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"13.0\">Why might vitamin D help with blood sugar management?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"14\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">That\u2019s still being explored, although this isn\u2019t the first time vitamin D has been linked with managing diabetes. A scientific analysis published in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/M22-3018\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-node-id=\"14.1.0\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/M22-3018\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Annals of Internal Medicine\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Annals of Internal Medicine<\/a> in 2023 analyzed three clinical trials that studied the impact of vitamin D supplementation on people with prediabetes. During a three-year follow-up, the researchers discovered that 22.7% of participants who took vitamin D developed type 2 diabetes, compared to 25% of those who took a placebo.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"15\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The differences aren\u2019t massive\u2014meaning, taking a vitamin D supplement isn\u2019t a guarantee that you\u2019ll avoid developing type 2 diabetes\u2014but many experts agree that there does seem to be something here. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"16\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">One theory behind this link is that vitamin D impacts glycemic control, which is your body\u2019s ability to manage your blood sugar, Cording says. \u201cVitamin D is actually a hormone,\u201d Cording points out. Having healthy levels of vitamin D may in theory help regulate other hormones in the body, helping to support the function of your endocrine system. (Type 2 diabetes impacts the endocrine system, which regulates glucose, a.k.a. blood sugar, levels in the blood, Cording explains.) <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"17\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Vitamin D is also <a href=\"https:\/\/dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1758-5996-5-8\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1758-5996-5-8\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"linked\" data-node-id=\"17.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">linked<\/a> to a lower risk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a38595773\/what-is-insulin-resistance-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a38595773\/what-is-insulin-resistance-syndrome\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"insulin resistance\" data-node-id=\"17.3\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">insulin resistance<\/a>, which is when the body is unable to respond to or use the hormone insulin. Insulin helps to escort sugar to your cells, where it\u2019s used for energy. Insulin resistance is often seen as a part of prediabetes and a precursor for type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"18\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cAdditionally, vitamin D may have an anti-inflammatory effect, and inflammation is a known risk factor for developing diabetes,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/rwjms.rutgers.edu\/people\/ankit-shah\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/rwjms.rutgers.edu\/people\/ankit-shah\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Ankit Shah, M.D\" data-node-id=\"18.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Ankit Shah, M.D<\/a>., assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition at Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"19\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">But there are still a lot of unknowns here. \u201cThe mechanisms involved in potential helpful effects of vitamin D in lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes at this time have not been well defined,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=christak\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=christak\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D\" data-node-id=\"19.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D<\/a>., a vitamin D researcher and professor of microbiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"20\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">However, she points out that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9938722\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9938722\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"data\" data-node-id=\"20.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">data<\/a> suggest that people with low vitamin D levels also seem to have impaired pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance. Both of those are linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"21\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">It\u2019s also entirely possible that there\u2019s nothing to this link, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.providence.org\/doctors\/profile\/199050-david-m-cutler\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.providence.org\/doctors\/profile\/199050-david-m-cutler\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"David Cutler, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"21.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">David Cutler, M.D.,<\/a> a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. \u201cIt\u2019s very easy to find studies that show associations,\u201d he says. \u201cYou have to accept that many studies that were done showed no association and never came to light.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"22.0\">Should I use vitamin D to manage blood sugar?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"23\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">As of right now, there\u2019s no official recommendation on using vitamin D to manage blood sugar in people with prediabetes. However, Christakos recommends having your vitamin D levels tested if you\u2019re at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you\u2019re low, your doctor may recommend that you take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/g35686472\/best-vitamin-d-supplements\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/g35686472\/best-vitamin-d-supplements\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"vitamin D supplement\" data-node-id=\"23.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">vitamin D supplement<\/a> to support several areas of your health, not just your blood sugar. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"24\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dr. Shah agrees. \u201cWhile vitamin D deficiency and diabetes are two separate issues that have different treatment strategies, there might be a benefit such that treating one issue may have positive spillover effects on the other,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"25\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">If your doctor says you could benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement, it\u2019s important to have the right expectations for what this could do for you, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1755016279901000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_n3lOYOifPRzUyMSxcJPk\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.tuftsmedicine.org\/doctor\/anastassios-pittas\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Anastassios Pittas, M.D.\" data-node-id=\"25.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Anastassios Pittas, M.D.<\/a>, study co-author and a professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"26\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cVitamin D should be viewed as part of an overall diabetes prevention plan, not a stand-alone solution,\u201d he says. \u201cIn the vitamin D and diabetes prevention trials, participants took an average of about 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily. That dose would be a good starting point.\u201d He says some people may need a bit less or more, depending on their lifestyle and size. Again, it\u2019s important to consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"27\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">But Cording says it\u2019s important to keep in mind that you can overdo it with vitamin D. So, you don\u2019t want to put yourself on this vitamin without talking to a healthcare professional first. \u201cTaking too much vitamin D can lead to vitamin D toxicity,\u201d she points out. That can cause your body to absorb too much calcium, raising your risk of kidney stones and constipation. In extreme cases, it may even lead to heart rhythm issues, kidney failure, and death, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/vitamind-healthprofessional\/#h36\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/vitamind-healthprofessional\/#h36\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"NIH\" data-node-id=\"27.3\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">NIH<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"28.0\">How to lower type 2 diabetes risk <\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"29\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dr. Shah stresses that you\u2019re not doomed to develop type 2 diabetes if you\u2019ve been diagnosed with prediabetes. \u201cHaving prediabetes puts you at risk for developing overt type 2 diabetes, but it does not have to be a foregone conclusion,\u201d he says. \u201cOne can prevent, or at least delay, this progression by employing multiple well-known strategies.\u201d <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"30\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">That means focusing on eating a low-glycemic diet, doing your best to manage your weight (as this may impact insulin resistance), and exercising regularly, Dr. Cutler says. \u201cThese are all proven to both prevent type 2 diabetes and help with blood sugar control,\u201d he says. Dr. Shah also recommends trying to reduce your stress levels and aiming to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"31\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Ultimately, it\u2019s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider if you\u2019ve been diagnosed with prediabetes. They should be able to give you personalized guidance on next steps.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"32\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new scientific analysis finds that people with prediabetes who take vitamin D have a lower risk of&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":143642,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[3178,85251,1201,210,2875,1182,85249,85250,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-143641","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-content-type-news","9":"tag-contentid-db44e8d4-0f5e-4d1a-9209-e8512a44ae92","10":"tag-displaytype-standard-article","11":"tag-health","12":"tag-locale-us","13":"tag-nutrition","14":"tag-shorttitle-this-vitamin-helps-lower-blood-sugar","15":"tag-study-finds","16":"tag-united-states","17":"tag-unitedstates","18":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115024126685510847","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=143641"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/143641\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/143642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=143641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=143641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=143641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}