A study has found that people with diabetes who are also deficient in vitamin D may face a higher risk of developing a condition called neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that causes pain and muscle weakness and tends to worsen over time. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), about half of diabetes patients are affected by this condition, highlighting a serious health concern.
Diabetes is already a significant issue in the UAE, where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 16.3%, nearly double the global average of 9.3%. Experts predict this figure could rise to 21.4% by 2030, further emphasizing the importance of addressing complications like neuropathy in the region.
The study was led by Dr. Bashair M. Mussa, an Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah’s College of Medicine. Her team reviewed the medical records of 600 Emirati patients from the University Hospital Sharjah.
The findings, published in the journal Cells, revealed that half of the patients with diabetes had neuropathy, a condition marked by worsening pain and muscle weakness.
What makes this research stand out is its focus on vitamin D deficiency as a key factor in the development of neuropathy. While many studies have examined the causes of diabetic neuropathy, few have highlighted the potential role of vitamin D.
This discovery is particularly intriguing given the UAE’s sunny climate, which would typically promote higher vitamin D levels. However, the intense, year-round heat may discourage outdoor activities, leading to widespread vitamin D deficiency.
Neuropathy is not only a personal health burden but also a societal one, contributing to higher rates of illness, death, and healthcare costs. The findings suggest that addressing vitamin D deficiency could play a role in preventing or managing this condition.
Previous research has shown that short-term vitamin D supplementation can improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, further supporting the potential of this approach.
Dr. Mussa emphasized the need for large-scale studies across multiple medical centers in the UAE to better understand the factors that contribute to neuropathy in diabetes patients.
Such research could help identify effective interventions, like vitamin D supplementation, to manage or even prevent this condition.
With the high rates of diabetes and related complications in the UAE, understanding the role of vitamin D in neuropathy could lead to significant improvements in patient care.
Addressing vitamin D deficiency may be a simple yet impactful step in reducing the burden of this nerve condition for people with diabetes.
For those interested in diabetes management, other research suggests that certain foods, such as berries, may help prevent diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Additionally, new medications and treatments, including zinc supplementation, are showing promise in improving diabetes care.
This study was published in the journal Cells and sheds light on a potential way to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about diabetes and vitamin B12, and the right diet for people with type 2 diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat smart with diabetes, and turmeric and vitamin D: a duo for blood pressure control in diabetic patients.
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