Vitamin D Improves the Mood and Blood Pressure in Women with Diabetes

Supplementation with vitamin D significantly lower blood pressure and improve the mood of women with type 2 diabetes and depression , the researchers found Loyola University in Chicago in a new study . The results were presented at the 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association .

Supplementation with vitamin D are a simple and effective therapy with minimal side effects , says Sue Penkofer (Sue Penckofer), lead author of the work. "We need to conduct randomized trials to determine the impact of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system of women with type 2 diabetes and their mood ," notes the author .

Penkofer received a grant from the National Institute of Research in 1.5 million dollars and four years of the study , which will involve 180 women with type 2 diabetes , the symptoms of depression and a lack of vitamin D. Within 6 months, half of the women will receive vitamin D ( 50,000 IU ) , the other half - the placebo .

Almost one in ten people in the U.S. suffer from type 2 diabetes and this number is projected to grow up to the one in four in 2050. At the same time , it should be noted that women suffer the disease as men . The reason for this phenomenon may be related to depression which affects 25 % of women with the disease . Depression prevents women eat right, exercise and even take drugs .

Many Americans do not get enough vitamin D, and people with diabetes are at especially high risk.

The first study included 46 Penkofer women whose average age was 55 years . Women suffered from diabetes for 8 years, and the level of vitamin D in them was extremely low (18 ng / ml). Within six months the women received a weekly dose ( 50,000 IU) vitamin D. The recommended dose for women from 51 to 70 years is 600 IU per day . As a result, the level of vitamin D in the blood reached an average of 38 ng / ml, and the mood of the patients improved significantly. Scientists conducted a survey on the psychological state of the participants and found that the rate of depression decreased from 26.8 to 12.2 (scale ranges from 0 to 60, the higher the score - the stronger the symptoms).

Blood pressure test also improved - diastolic blood pressure decreased from 140.4 mmHg up to 132.5 mm Hg, and weight decreased from an average of 102.56 kg to 101.42 kg.