A new study shows that 60 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes have vitamin D deficiency. A lack of vitamin D can affect bone health, as well as having other adverse effects.
The study's authors recommended widespread screening for vitamin D deficiency among diabetics, or routine vitamin D supplementation.
Cardiovascular Problems Due to Lack of Vitamin D
The study compared the vitamin D blood levels of more than 450 type 2 diabetics with a similar number of non-diabetics.
The diabetics with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be women, and to be taking insulin or cholesterol-lowering drugs. More than 30 percent of the diabetics had cardiovascular disease, which has been linked to low vitamin D levels.
Other Risks of Diabetes
Another study that surveyed 30 high-risk diabetics indicated that many would benefit from taking a greater interest in their own health care. As many as 40 percent of diabetes-related limb amputations performed in the UK could have been avoided with adequate preventative care, but a third of diabetics do not discuss the subject with their doctors. Seven out of 10 diabetes patients who lose a limb die within five years.
