US Medical Supplies Blog

A recent study completed at Tufts University, seems to indicate that Vitamin K might be responsible for slowing the development of insulin dependence among men over the age of sixty.

The Study, which lasted three years and took place at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center, found that men who took daily multivitamins with vitamin K had a slower progression of insulin resistance and also a lower blood insulin level by the end of the study.

355 men and women without diabetes participated in the study, with one part of the test group taking multivitamins that contained 5 times the recommended dose of vitamin K. The control group still received a multivitamin and calcium supplement, but they did not receive any vitamin K.

Interestingly, while the vitamin K appeared to slow the progression of insulin resistance in men, it did not have the same effect among women. In fact, women who received vitamin K and the control group of men and women who received no vitamin K both showed an increase in insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is characteristic of Type 2 Diabetes, which is a disease that affects how the body handles and processes glucose. Glucose is a carbohydrate that is found in the body and is used by cells as an energy source. Commonly called blood sugar, glucose is essential not only as a source of energy, but it is also a fundamental building block of many functions in the body.

Glucose is processed by a hormone called insulin and in those with diabetes, the insulin either does not process glucose properly or there is a problem with how the body produces insulin.

While diabetes can affect people of all ages, it is increasingly common in those over the age of sixty. In fact, according to Penn State Heath and Human Development Department, around half of all people with diabetes are over sixty and by the age of 75, one in five American seniors has diabetes.

One of the biggest hurdles to treating senior diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet, because many seniors are not aware of how important a healthy diet is to treating and managing diabetes. Other factors like transportation, insurance issues, and less social interaction also make treating senior diabetes more difficult.

Diet is incredibly important to those who have diabetes and vitamin K can be obtained by simply eating healthily. Leafy greens such as spinach and collards are a good source of vitamin K, as are Brussels sprouts and broccoli. However, it is very important to talk with your doctor about diabetes and a healthy diet first.