In recent years, researchers have linked low vitamin D levels to insulin resistance and diabetes. Overcoming insulin resistance, in particular, could be a way to head off type 2 diabetes before it sets in. People over age 50 have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, and the risk increases with age. As people age, they lose some of their ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight.

Sometimes patients ask if it is possible to take too much vitamin D3 supplement. Probably not, since you would have to take 60,000 IU/day for several months to reach a level of toxicity. “The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia)…. Taking 60,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D for several months has been shown to cause toxicity.”

It’s more likely that a diabetic is deficient in vitamin D. One of the most frequent symptoms is muscle weakness. Studies also show that vitamin D may help defend against respiratory illness, which is important to know if you have asthma, or if you are at risk of contracting a virus that affects the respiratory system. It is not surprising that experts recommend vitamin D3 to help provide immunity from coronaviruses. Remember to include vitamin K2 with your vitamin D3 supplement.

When my doctor diagnosed me with vitamin D deficiency, I took 10,000 IU/day for one year, and after that 5,000 IU/day for maintenance.

References

Curry, Andrew. “The Role of Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetes: Can it help overcome insulin resistance?” Diabetes Forecast (December 2011). http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/dec/the-role-of-vitamin-d-in-type-2-diabetes.html (accessed on 8/3/2020).

“Vitamin D Deficiency: A Common Risk Factor for Seniors,” Parent Giving, n.d. https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/vitamin-d-deficiency-a-common-risk-factor-for-seniors/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Zeratsky, Katherine, RD, LD. “What is vitamin D toxicity, and should I worry about it since I take supplements?” Mayo Clinic, n.d. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108 (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Staff Writer. “Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency That Most People Ignore,” HealthyWay (December 20, 2016). https://www.healthyway.com/content/symptoms-of-vitamin-d-deficiency-that-most-people-ignore/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

7 Common Signs of Nutrient Deficiency
https://blog.naturessunshine.com/en/the-5-most-common-nutritional-deficiencies-in-the-united-states/

Vitamin D

7 Signs You May Have a Vitamin D Deficiency
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/28/vitamin-d-deficiency-signs-symptoms.aspx

Association Between Calcium or Vitamin D Supplementation and Fracture Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2667071

Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency That Most People Ignore
https://www.healthyway.com/content/symptoms-of-vitamin-d-deficiency-that-most-people-ignore/

The Role of Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetes
Can it help overcome insulin resistance?
In recent years, researchers have linked low vitamin D levels to insulin resistance and diabetes.
http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/dec/the-role-of-vitamin-d-in-type-2-diabetes.html

Vitamin D Deficiency: A Common Risk Factor for Seniors
People over age 50 have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and the risk increases with age. As people age they lose some of their ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight.
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/vitamin-d-deficiency-a-common-risk-factor-for-seniors/

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It!
https://draxe.com/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms/

Vitamin D Supplements & Foods
https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/vitamin-d/

What is vitamin D toxicity, and should I worry about it since I take supplements?
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia)….
Taking 60,000 international units (IU) a day of vitamin D for several months has been shown to cause toxicity.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108