Vitamin D & Diabetes: 5-Year Study Results
- A new study from the University of Eastern Finland indicates that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in older...
- While previous research linked low vitamin D levels to a higher diabetes risk, observational studies couldn't confirm whether supplements could mitigate that risk.
- The finnish vitamin D Trial (FIND),conducted from 2012 to 2018,involved 2,495 participants aged 60 or older (men) and 65 or older (women).
High doses of vitamin D supplements do not reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in older adults, according to a new five-year study. Researchers at the University of Eastern finland found no meaningful difference in diabetes incidence between groups taking vitamin D and a placebo group. While prior studies suggested an association between low vitamin D levels and increased diabetes risk, this trial, involving nearly 2,500 participants without pre-existing conditions, delivers concrete results. The study explored the impact of 40 and 80-microgram doses,comparing them to a placebo.News Directory 3 reports on this finding, which supports existing views that vitamin D supplementation doesn’t substantially affect type 2 diabetes risk for many. Uncover further insights into the implications of this research. Discover what’s next …
Vitamin D Supplements Don’t Cut Type 2 Diabetes Risk, Study Finds
Updated June 18, 2025
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland indicates that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in older men and women. The five-year trial examined participants without pre-existing glucose metabolism disorders.
While previous research linked low vitamin D levels to a higher diabetes risk, observational studies couldn’t confirm whether supplements could mitigate that risk. Earlier experimental studies suggested high-dose vitamin D might slightly lower diabetes risk in individuals with prediabetes. However, these studies often used smaller doses or were short-term.
The finnish vitamin D Trial (FIND),conducted from 2012 to 2018,involved 2,495 participants aged 60 or older (men) and 65 or older (women). Participants were randomly assigned to a placebo group or groups receiving 40 or 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily. Researchers excluded 224 participants already on diabetes medication. They gathered complete data on lifestyle, nutrition, and health factors, also utilizing national health registers. A subset underwent detailed examinations and blood tests.
During the trial, 105 participants developed type 2 diabetes: 38 in the placebo group, 31 in the 40-microgram group, and 36 in the 80-microgram group. Researchers found no statistically critically important difference in diabetes cases between the groups.
In a more detailed analysis of 505 participants, initial blood calcidiol levels (indicating vitamin D status) averaged 75 nmol/l, with onyl 9% below 50 nmol/l. After one year, calcidiol levels increased to 100 nmol/l in the 40-microgram group and 120 nmol/l in the 80-microgram group, with no significant change in the placebo group. The study also examined the impact on blood glucose, insulin levels, body mass index, and waist circumference over two years, finding no significant differences between the groups.
What’s next
the FIND study supports the view that higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D do not substantially affect type 2 diabetes risk in individuals without prediabetes who already have sufficient vitamin D levels. Further research is needed to determine if high doses of vitamin D could prevent type 2 diabetes in individuals with vitamin D deficiency but without prediabetes.