Vitamin D, coffee for type 2 diabetes prevention

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with impaired human insulin action, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2. A study in the November issue of Cardiovascular Diabetology investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on the metabolic profiles of T2DM subjects pre- and post-vitamin D supplementation over an 18-month period.

Subjects were given 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 18 months. Anthropometrics and fasting blood were collected (0, 6, 12, 18 months) to monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In all subjects there was a significant increase in mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, as well as serum calcium. A significant decrease in LDL- and total cholesterol were noted, as well as a significant improvement in insulin function.

While the population's 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels remained below normal 18 months after the onset of treatment, this "suboptimal" supplementation significantly improved lipid profile with a favorable change in HDL/LDL ratio, and insulin function.

In a study from the November 14th issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined the association of caffeinated compared with caffeine-free beverages, including coffee, tea, and sugar-sweetened beverages, with T2D risk. Irrespective of the caffeine content, sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with a higher risk of T2D and coffee intake was associated with a lower risk of T2D.