In the sunny UAE, a surprising study shows that vitamin D deficiency in diabetic patients might be a significant factor in nerve damage or neuropathy. This discovery is crucial, given the rising rates of diabetes in the region.
A Growing Concern in the UAE
Diabetes is a significant health concern in the UAE, with its prevalence nearly doubling the global average. An alarming projection suggests that by 2030, one in five people in the UAE could have type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, about half of the diabetic patients in the UAE experience neuropathy, a painful condition that worsens over time and can lead to muscle weakness.
Delving Into the Research
Dr. Bashair M. Mussa, from the University of Sharjah’s College of Medicine, led a team that scrutinized the medical records of 600 Emirati patients.
Their findings, published in the journal Cells, revealed that a significant portion of these patients with neuropathy also had a deficiency in vitamin D.
Though many studies have explored the reasons behind neuropathy in diabetic patients, Dr. Mussa’s research stands out. It pinpoints vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause for this nerve ailment.
Considering the UAE’s sunny disposition, these results are unexpected.
However, the study suggests that the overpowering sunlight might be the very reason residents avoid outdoor activities, leading to less exposure and thus, vitamin D deficiency.
Impacting Lives and Economies
Neuropathy doesn’t just affect individual health; it also has broader economic implications. Patients’ quality of life diminishes, and the healthcare burden increases.
Dr. Mussa emphasizes the potential role vitamin D might play in preventing or reducing the severity of neuropathy.
Notably, some past studies indicate that vitamin D supplements can lead to improvements in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
What’s Next?
The spotlight is now on understanding this relationship further. It’s vital to validate the link between vitamin D deficiency and neuropathy and consider interventions that could benefit diabetic patients.
This might include vitamin D supplementation as a preventive or management strategy for neuropathy.
The alarming rates of diabetes and neuropathy in the UAE call for more research, and Dr. Mussa stresses the importance of larger studies across multiple centers in the region.
This will not only help in understanding the risk factors better but also in shaping future medical approaches for diabetic patients.
For those interested in diabetes, it might be worth exploring studies about specific berries’ potential benefits against diabetes and obesity, as well as new drug treatments for diabetes and associated conditions.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about best cheeses to improve diabetes and lose weight and findings of Vitamin nutrient supplements may increase fall risk in people with diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about vitamin that may protect you from type 2 diabetes, and results showing this common chemical in food may harm your blood pressure.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
