Diabetes: How Vitamin D Can Help

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, commonly referred to as the "sunshine" vitamin. Although typically found in food, Vitamin D can also be synthesized from exposure to ultraviolet light.

It is estimated that 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to the midday sun two or three times a week will provide the daily need for Vitamin D. There are two types of sources readily available for synthesis in the human body:

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) - derived from plant sources (poor source)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) - derived from animal sources and ultraviolet rays

Vitamin D is readily available in numerous commercial sources, as a direct result of the mandatory vitamin fortification process of consumer foods. In fact, the majority of our dietary intake is due to the development of such fortified foods.

Diabetes

Research shows that supplementing infants and children with doses of 2000 IU per day of Vitamin D or higher may protect against the development of type 1 diabetes.

A study done in Finland, where sunlight is very limited, found that infants given at least 2,000 IU of Vitamin D per day for the first year of life were less likely to develop type 1 diabetes. This study was done over a 30 year time and the infants who were given less then 2,000 IU of Vitamin D were more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.

Glucose M2 - Helpful for Blood Sugar Levels

Progressive Health's Glucose M2 may help you manage glucose levels, by addressing your body's nutritional needs. When used in conjunction with regular exercise and sound diet, Glucose M2 can provide you with an effective means to manage glucose in your body.

Research has shown that the ingredients contained in this unique formula may be able to enhance carbohydrate metabolism and control fluctuating blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Ingredients in Glucose M2:

• Magnesium - Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose levels. A lack of magnesium can affect insulin resistance.
• Chromium - Chromium may be helpful for moving glucose and other nutrients into the cells of the body more efficiently. Additionally, low chromium levels are linked to other areas of health. Low Chromium levels may be responsible for glucose tolerance and glucose levels in the blood and urine.
• Zinc - Low zinc levels reduce the body's abilities to synthesize and secrete insulin, and glucose.
• Calcium - The most abundant mineral in the body, Calcium is involved in maintaining a multitude of functions in the body including a healthy heart beat. This mineral is also thought to be involved in blood pressure regulation.
• Vandium- Supplementation with Vandium has been reported to help with diabetes. Animal studies have shown that Vandium can help maintain blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. It has been shown in human studies to be beneficial as well, possessing the ability to promote healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Alpha Lipolic Acid- Alpha Lipolic Acid affects insulin as well as the body's regulation of blood sugar. In addition, some of these studies have revealed favorable lipoic acid effects that appear to be independent of its antioxidant properties, including; increased glucose uptake, promotion of new neurite growth and chelation of transition metals.
• Bitter Melon Ext. - The blood sugar leveling action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon's many constituents contain several compounds with properties shown to promote healthy blood sugar levels. Of these compounds, Momordica also contains an insulin-like polypeptide, polypeptide-P, which promotes healthy blood sugar levels. 50-60 ml of the juice has shown positive effects in clinical trials.
• Gymnemna Sylvestris Ext. - Gymnemna is thought to promote insulin secretion, and several studies report that it does control blood sugar. Gymnemna assists the pancreas in the production of insulin. It may also decrease one's cravings for sweets.

To learn more about Glucose M2, click here.

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