Vitamin D Lowers Pain in Women with Type 2 Diabetes and Depression

A new study claims that Vitamin D helps in lowering pain in women who are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes as well as depression.

The study, by researchers at Loyola University, uncovers the association between vitamin D supplementation and type 2 diabetes. Few studies have focused on how pain affects the treatment of depression in type-2 diabetes patients. This is the first study that highlights the role of the vitamin D supplementation in lowering pain.

For the study, the researchers tested the efficacy of vitamin D2 supplementation. The pills were taken weekly for nearly six months. Researchers found that there was a significant improvement in depression levels of women taking the supplements.

At the start of the study, about 61 percent of the participants reported burning or shooting pain in the legs and feet (neuropathic pain). About 74 percent reported tingling effect in hands, fingers and legs (sensory pain). Researchers identified a significant drop in the neuropathic and sensory pain at three and six months following the supplementation of Vitamin D2, according to a news release.

"Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression," said Todd Doyle, PhD, lead author and fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). "While further research is needed, D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes."

Intake of Vitamin D has several benefits for our health as well as some chronic disease like type 2 diabetes. This new study helps in gaining proper insight into the role of the nutrient in regulating health of women who suffer with diabetes.