You need vitamin D for calcium absorption, proper immune function, blood pressure regulation and insulin secretion. Adults generally require at least 15 micrograms, or 600 international units, a day. Not getting enough vitamin D can boost your risk for diabetes; increasing your vitamin D intake might help limit your risk for high triglycerides, a condition diabetics are more likely to develop than people who do not have diabetes 3.

Vitamin D and Diabetes

The role of vitamin D in calcium absorption may be partly responsible for these effects, because calcium plays a role in insulin creation and excretion. Not all studies show this effect, however. One study, published in "Obesity" in October 2010, found that insulin sensitivity doesn't seem to be associated with vitamin D status 4. Another study, published in June 2007 in "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism," found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements might help limit diabetes risk only for those who are at high risk because of glucose intolerance 256.**

The role of vitamin D in calcium absorption may be partly responsible for these effects, because calcium plays a role in insulin creation and excretion.

Vitamin D and Triglycerides

How to Lose Weight Using Glucophage

Learn More

Having high triglyceride levels increases your risk for heart disease. One way to lower your triglyceride levels is to lose weight. Taking a daily supplement consisting of 83 micrograms of vitamin D while following a weight reduction program appears to increase the beneficial effects of weight loss on triglycerides, according to a study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May 2009. Study participants taking the vitamin D supplements lowered their triglycerides by 13.5 percent, while those given a placebo increased their triglycerides by 3 percent 2.

Having high triglyceride levels increases your risk for heart disease.



Taking a daily supplement consisting of 83 micrograms of vitamin D while following a weight reduction program appears to increase the beneficial effects of weight loss on triglycerides, according to a study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May 2009.

Diabetes and Triglycerides

Type 2 diabetes is associated with diabetic dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by high triglyceride levels, increased concentrations of small dense low-density lipoproteins and low levels of high-density lipoproteins. These factors together increase a diabetic's risk for high cholesterol, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease compared with people who do not have diabetes 3.

Boosting Vitamin D Levels

Foods Prediabetics Should Eat & Avoid

Learn More

Your body can create vitamin D if you spend adequate time in direct sunlight. However, this isn't the most reliable method, and unprotected sun exposure can put you at risk for skin cancer. Supplements are another option, but watch the dosage. Taking more than 4,000 international units a day can cause adverse side effects.