The link between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes has been studied by researchers for years. In fact, studies suggest that vitamin D therapy can help prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes from developing. In fact, a vitamin D deficiency could trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes. But new research points to a new link to type 2 diabetes: gum disease.
Type 2 diabetes and gum disease
Gum disease is the 6th most common disease at the world, and diabetes is the 7th most common disease. But the two have more to do with each other than you may think. Gum disease is incredibly common and a lesser-known diabetes complication. Because vitamin D fights inflammation and antimicrobial activity, it can help prevent gum disease and diabetes at the same time.
In a study performed by scientists at the University of Toronto, researchers found that in a group of 4,000 participants with gum disease, almost half of them had type 2 diabetes. This points to a close link between diabetes and gum disease. People in the group who also experienced vitamin D deficiency were more likely to develop both gum disease and type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to further investigate these links.
Vitamin D therapy and diabetes
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine deactivated vitamin D receptors in mice and found that the mice were far more likely to develop diabetes. When the mix experienced vitamin D deficiency, they had inflammation, excess glucose, insulin resistance, and plaque accumulation in blood vessels.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can often be subtle and go unnoticed. Some common symptoms are:
- Getting sick often
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Slow-healing wounds
- Bone pain
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
Consult your doctor before taking any vitamin D supplements as they could interact with your diabetes medication.
