A new study indicates that patients with diabetes who also suffer from vitamin D deficiency are at an increased risk of developing neuropathy, a type of nerve damage.
This condition, which worsens over time, affects about 50% of diabetic patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
These findings are particularly important considering that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UAE is 16.3%, nearly double the global rate of 9.3%. Projections suggest this rate could rise to 21.4% by 2030.
The research, led by Dr. Bashair M. Mussa, Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah’s College of Medicine, analyzed retrospective data from the medical records of 600 Emirati patients at the University Hospital Sharjah.
The study, published in the journal Cells, found that half of these patients suffer from neuropathy, characterized by pain and muscle weakness that progressively intensifies.
While many studies have explored how and why diabetic patients develop neuropathy, Dr. Mussa’s research stands out by linking the nerve disease to vitamin D deficiency.
This connection is surprising given the UAE’s sunny climate, which one might expect to lead to higher levels of vitamin D. However, the study notes that the intense, year-round sunlight in the UAE may actually deter people from spending time outdoors, leading to lower vitamin D levels.
Diabetic neuropathy not only affects personal health but is also associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
This study highlights the potential role of vitamin D in preventing or reducing neuropathy in diabetic patients. Previous research has shown that short-term vitamin D supplementation can improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Dr. Mussa emphasizes the need for large-scale studies involving multiple centers in the UAE to better understand the risk factors and predictors associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Given the high rates of diabetes and neuropathy in the UAE, further research is necessary to confirm the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and neuropathy.
Future studies should also investigate potential interventions, such as vitamin D supplementation, that could help manage or even prevent neuropathy in diabetic patients.
How to Manage Diabetes and Prevent Neuropathy
If you are concerned about diabetes and its complications, here are some steps to manage your condition and potentially prevent neuropathy:
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage blood sugar levels.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar levels and maintain overall health.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Regularly checking your blood sugar levels can help you manage your diabetes effectively.
Take Medications as Prescribed: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding diabetes medications.
Consider Vitamin D Supplementation: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether vitamin D supplements might be beneficial for you.
Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor your condition and catch complications early.
For those interested in learning more about diabetes management and related research, recent studies have shown that certain berries may help prevent diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Additionally, new drugs are being developed to treat diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Other research highlights the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar levels and suggests that zinc may play a key role in better diabetes treatments.
The study discussed was published in Cells and conducted by Dr. Bashair M. Mussa and her team.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin D and type2 diabetes, and to people with type 2 diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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