Supplementing with Vitamin K decreases the risk of developing diabetes in men

More research uncovers an association between improving insulin resistance in men using taking Vitamin K. Resistance to the effects of insulin is the major characteristic in type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs in individuals with prediabetes; they are at risk of developing full-blown disease.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Tufts University researchers in Boston supplemented 142 men and 213 women without diabetes, vitamin K1 supplements or placebo every day for three years. Plasma insulin, glucose and vitamin K1 levels, and insulin resistance were measured before the trial, at 6 and at three years.

Men who received vitamin K supplementation had a significant reduction in insulin levels and insulin resistance. The authors propose that vitamin K could improve insulin sensitivity by suppressing inflammation. Vitamin K has been shown to lower induced inflammation in both cell culture and animal studies. Additionally, a recent observational study revealed a reduction in inflammatory markers associated with increased measures of vitamin K status. The authors concluded that "Vitamin K supplementation for 36 months at doses attainable in the diet may reduce progression of insulin resistance in older men." The study is published in the November, 2008 issue of the journal Diabetes Care