Calcium rich diet prevents diabetes

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help in lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Calcium and vitamin D are important nutrients that help in the functioning of the insulin producing cells, in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells of our body for energy utilisation. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, allowing blood sugar levels to soar. The intake of calcium and vitamin D through both diet and supplements can improve the body's insulin sensitivity and blood sugar metabolism. Researchers at the Tufts-New England Medical Centre, in Boston reviewed various trials to establish the link between calcium, vitamin D and type 2 diabetes risk. After combining the results of these trials, it was found that the people with the highest intakes of vitamin D and calcium had an 18 percent lower risk of diabetes than those with the lowest intakes. Similarly, people who ate the most dairy food had a 14 percent lower diabetes risk than those who ate the least dairy products. Though its not clear as to how the intake of calcium and vitamin can prevent diabetes, the trials suggest the supplements of these 2 nutrients can forestall type 2 diabetes in people who are on the verge of developing diabetes. Although, its too early to determine whether the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements can manage diabetes, but a regular intake of these nutrients can definitely keep the risk of diabetes at bay. Therefore, a combined supplementation with both these nutrients may be beneficial in optimising glucose metabolism.