More than 4 million Britons are living with diabetes, with 90% of them suffering from type 2, Diabetes UK said.
The chronic disease, which causes blood sugar levels to be excessively high, is linked to a shocking 660 heart attacks and 930 strokes each week.
However, recent research offers hope for fighting this debilitating disease. In a study of people with "pre-diabetes" - or elevated blood sugar levels - one key nutrient was found to reduce the risk of diabetes by 15%.
Believe it or not, this nutrient is vitamin D. The US research team led by Tufts Medical Center revealed that it also "increases the likelihood of regression to normal glucose regulation by 30%".
"The objective was to assess whether vitamin D intake reduces the risk of diabetes among people with prediabetes," the study authors wrote. "In adults with prediabetes, vitamin D was effective in reducing diabetes risk".
It's important to note that the researchers specify that their study only applied to people with "prediabetes," not the general population. Yet they are not the only ones touting the benefits of vitamin D consumption.
Evidence from Britain's National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that vitamin D also plays a vital role in muscle movement and nerve communication throughout the body. Other experts have even linked it to a reduced risk of various cancers and multiple sclerosis, although further research is needed to fully understand these links.
Although our skin can generate vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, it can also be obtained through certain foods. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are prime examples of this, and cheese and mushrooms are also rich in this essential nutrient.
Senior nutritionist Victoria Taylor from the British Heart Foundation explains:
"Even if you eat vitamin D-rich foods, it's unlikely you'll get the full amount you need from food. It is recommended that we take 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. Most of the vitamin D is formed through the skin when we are outside in daylight.'
“From April to September in the UK, sunlight plus a healthy balanced diet is enough to meet most people's needs. From October to March, it is recommended that we take a vitamin D supplement,” Taylor said.
Despite its benefits, it's crucial to avoid consuming too much vitamin D, as it can lead to a whole host of different health problems.
"Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcemia). This can weaken bones and damage the kidneys and heart. If you decide to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day is sufficient for most people," explained the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
"Do not take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D daily, as this may be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and lactating women and the elderly, as well as to children aged 11 to 17," the NHS said. | BGNES
