Dr. Sue Pemckofer, a professor at Loyola University’s Nursing School located in Chicago, IL plans to conduct a large trial to evaluate vitamin D’s effect on depression and insulin resistance in women with diabetes. She recently stated, Vitamin D deficiency continues to be a problem despite the nutrient’s widely reported health benefits. “Chicago winters compound this issue when more people spend time away from sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D.”

Diabetics with increased resistance to insulin, also experience depression, more frequently and occurs more often in women compared to men. Higher vitamin D levels have been associated with a reduction of depression, diabetes and other serious chronic disorders.

Medical research studies indicate vitamin D deficiency is far more widespread than previously recognized. It accounts for the difference in the distribution of certain chronic diseases such as prostate cancer and multiple sclerosis, based on location. These conditions occur more frequent in northern locations compared to warmer, tropical ones.

The study will give 50,000 international units of vitamin D every week for 6 months to 80 women with type 2 diabetes, from 18 to 70 with signs of depression. They will also measure their vitamin D levels and other factors three times during the study.

“There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation may decrease insulin resistance,” Dr. Penckofer commented. “If we can stabilize insulin levels, we may be able to simply and cost effectively improve blood sugar control and reduce symptoms of depression for these women.”

“Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases in particular. Our research may shed greater light on the role this nutrient plays in managing two conditions that impact millions of Americans. If proven to be successful, vitamin D may an important addition to care for diabetes and depression.