Given the role of Vitamin D in possibly preventing cancers and bone disease, it should come as no surprise — as very recent research indicates — that Vitamin D also plays a role in boosting immune responses, controlling cardiovascular disease and maintaining glucose metabolism.

Scientists explain the versatility of this seemingly magical Vitamin through the preponderance of Vitamin D receptors in most parts of the body.

Among the many recent studies highlighting several new benefits of Vitamin D there are some that establish its role in preventing diabetes. This is not a surprising revelation as the ubiquitous Vitamin D receptors are located in the pancreas — the insulin producing organ — as well.

The first evidence of the Vitamin D and diabetes link came when it was noticed — mainly through population studies — that insulin dependent diabetes — Type 1 diabetes — occurred commonly in areas which received less sunlight.

The effect of Vitamin D does not stop at this stage. Observational studies seem to show a link between deficient Vitamin D status of infants and the risk of developing diabetes about 10 to 15 years later.

There are many ways in which this connection could be coming into effect. One such proposed mechanism suggests simply that Vitamin D possibly stimulates not only the release of insulin but also the expression of the insulin receptors.

It seems that Vitamin D supplementation in diabetes prevention and treatment has untapped potential. When many studies in varying environments are undertaken, there are some studies that do not show a very positive outcome.

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