A new study has revealed a promising twist in the prevention of type 2 diabetes: vitamin D may reduce risk—but not for everyone.

Researchers found that its protective effect depends on a person’s genetic makeup, opening the door to more personalised approaches in public health and medicine.

Results of the study are published in ‘JAMA Network Open’. The study focused on adults with prediabetes, a condition affecting millions globally and a major precursor to diabetes.

While earlier trials showed no overall benefit of vitamin D supplementation, this new analysis uncovered a key detail: individuals with specific variations of the vitamin D receptor gene experienced a 19 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes when taking high daily doses of the vitamin.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body. Beyond supporting bone health, it helps regulate immune function and may influence insulin production through receptors found in pancreatic cells.