The vitamin that could reduce the risk of diabetes

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus corresponds to a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use the insulin it produces efficiently. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the concentration of glucose in the blood, that is, blood glucose.

A common effect of uncontrolled diabetes is hyperglycemia, that is, high blood glucose, which over time seriously damages many organs and systems in the body, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

In addition, it revealed that there are several types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

type 1 diabetes

According to the organization, type 1 diabetes, previously called insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset diabetes, is characterized by poor insulin production and requires daily administration of this hormone.

”Symptoms of this diabetes include excessive urine output (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, visual disturbances and tiredness. These symptoms may appear suddenly”.

type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, previously called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, is caused by the body’s inefficient use of insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is largely due to excess weight and physical inactivity.

The WHO assured that “the symptoms can resemble those of type 1 diabetes, but are often less intense, so it can happen that the disease is diagnosed several years following the first symptoms appear, when they have already emerged. complications”.

Bearing this in mind, the scientific journal Nutri-Facts indicated that the consumption of vitamins, more specifically K, might reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, bone health, and other body functions; Thanks to this nutrient, the body can be healthy. If you are taking any blood thinners, such as warfarin, it is very important that you consume the same amount of vitamin K every day.

For its part, the National Institutes of Health of the United States explained that the amount of vitamin K needed depends on age and sex. The average daily amounts expressed in micrograms are:

• Infants up to 6 months of age: 2.0 mcg.
• 7 to 12 months: 2.5 mcg.
• 1 to 3 years: 30 mcg.
• 4 to 8 years: 55 mcg.
• 9 to 13 years: 60 mcg.
• 14 to 18 years: 75 mcg.
• Adult men over 19 years of age: 120 mcg.
• Adult women over 19 years of age: 90 mcg.
• Pregnant or lactating adolescents: 75 mcg.
• Pregnant or lactating women: 90 mcg.

Foods in which this nutrient can be found are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale (or collard greens), broccoli and lettuce; vegetable oils; some fruits like blueberries and figs; meat, cheese, eggs, and soybeans.

Similarly, there are dietary supplements with this vitamin, with other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. “Common presentations of vitamin K are in the form of phylloquinone and phytomenadione (also known as vitamin K1), and menaquinone -4 and menaquinone-7 (also known as vitamin K2)”, emphasized the entity.