Student Forum: Does Calcium and Vitamin D Intake Affect Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

The past few decades have seen an enormous increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and coagulation abnormalities—which contribute to insulin resistance syndrome—are major risk factors for T2DM and heart disease. Diet plays an important role in prevention of these risk factors. Recent evidence suggests an inverse relationship among calcium, vitamin D status, and dairy intake, specifically with the development of the insulin resistance syndrome and T2DM. It has been found that there is a decrease in dairy intake in the past three decades, which runs parallel with an increase in the incidence of obesity and T2DM. As our population ages, the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance will rise, so the question is whether calcium and vitamin D (D₃, cholecalciferol) supplementation is necessary or is warranted at a greater or lesser degree than the current recommendations.