Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the beta cells in the pancreas do not release insulin. This is called an absolute insulin deficiency. This means that the individual has hyperglycemia and begins to break down their fats and protein in order to meet the energy demands of the body. This breakdown of fats and protein makes the insulin dependent diabetic build up waste products called ketone bodies, which causes a condition called ketoacidosis. Insulin dependent diabetics need a constant supply of insulin to prevent ketoacidosis and maintain a stable blood sugar. Type 1 Diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States. One in every 400 to 500 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine" vitamin because it is formed in the body by the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. The fat-soluble vitamin is converted in the kidneys to the hormone calcitrol, which is actually the most active form of vitamin D. The effects of this hormone are targeted at the intestines and bones. Vitamin D is important for growth and development of bones and teeth in infants and children. Vitamin D has been used in the treatment of rickets, psoriasis, osteoporosis, Crohn’s disease, and has been found to reduce the incidence of breast cancer and type 1 diabetes.

 A recent study analyzed the relationship between ultraviolet B irradiance, vitamin D status and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in 51 regions worldwide. Researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine found that populations living at or near the equator, where there is abundant sunshine, incidence rates approached zero for type 1 diabetes. They also found that regions further from the equator with less sunshine had higher incidence rates. These findings remained significant even after per capita healthcare expenditure was taken into account, which was important since regions located near the equator tend to have lower per capita healthcare expenditures and could have resulted in under-reporting for type 1 diabetes. This research suggests that type 1 diabetes in children may be prevented by insuring an adequate intake of vitamin D3 whether through diet, sun exposure or supplements.¹

¹ Mohr SB, Garland CF, Gorham ED, et al. The association between ultraviolet B irradiance, vitamin D status and incidence rates of type 1 diabetes in 51 regions worldwide. Diabetologia. Jun2008.