New findings suggest that sun exposure and vitamin D levels may be contributing factors to the development of type 1 diabetes in children.

Research conducted at the Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) found that the populations of countries closer to the equator had lower incidences of type 1 diabetes than those living in regions exposed to less sunlight and ultraviolet B.

The new study follows a recent report investigating the association between vitamin D levels and major cancers.

Dr Cedric F Garland, professor of family and preventive medicine in the UCSD School of Medicine, said: "This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced incidence rates of type 1 diabetes worldwide."

He added: "This research suggests that childhood type 1 diabetes may be preventable with a modest intake of vitamin D3 (1000 IU/day) for children, ideally with five to ten minutes of sunlight around noontime, when good weather allows.

"Infants less than a year old should not be given more than 400 IU per day without consulting a doctor."

Studies have shown that the majority of children who develop type 1 diabetes have no family history of the disease.

Login and visit the Diabetes Knowledge Centre

• Porridge could limit type-2 diabetes side effects 09/01/09
• Men with type-2 diabetes at greater risk of cardiovascular death 06/01/09
• Decline in mental processing affects diabetes patients, study reveals 05/01/09
• Leptin study could lead to new diabetes treatment 23/12/08
• Symptomless virus linked with type 1 diabetes 19/12/08

• PRANDIN Tablets - 49.44%
  ... in patients with Type 2 diabetes (Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)) whose hyperglycaemia can no longer be controlled satisfactorily by diet, weight reduction and exercise. Repaglinide is also indicated in combination with metformin in Type 2 diabetes patients who are not ...
  
  
• DDAVP - 49.42%
  ... and treatment of vasopressin-sensitive cranial diabetes insipidus; establishing renal concentration capacity. DDAVP Tablets: Treatment of vasopressin-sensitive cranial diabetes insipidus; treatment of post-hypophysectomy polyuria/ polydipsia. DDAVP/Desmopressin Injection: Cranial diabetes insipidus ...
  
  
• JANUVIA Film-Coated Tablets - 47.95%
  JANUVIA is indicated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control in combination with metformin when diet and exercise, plus metformin do not provide adequate glycaemic control. For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in whom use of a PPAR? agonist (i.e. a ...
  
  
• EXUBERA - 47.95%
  ... for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus not adequately controlled with oral antidiabetic agents and requiring insulin therapy. EXUBERA is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, in addition to long or intermediate acting ...
  
  
• NOCUTIL - 47.95%
  Treatment of idiopathic central diabetes insipidus, or diabetes insipidus occurring after hypophysectomy, cranial trauma, or surgery in the pituitary region ...
  
  
• GLUCOPHAGE - 47.95%
  Non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetes either alone or with sulphonylureas. Adjuvant therapy in insulin-dependent diabetes, particularly in the obese ...