Effect of Vitamın K on Insulin Resistance

Objective: Nowadays, as the prevalence of diabetes increases, new research topics are emerging about the roles of nutrients in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Diet is one of the important factors of insulin resistance and diabetes pathophysiology. Dietary intake of micronutrients are protective and curative for the diseases as well as adequate and balanced intake of macro-nutrients. In the literature review, the potential effects of vitamin K, known with its blood clotting role among micronutrients, to insulin resistance, a condition leading to diabetes, have been determined. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of vitamin K on insulin resistance and to examine possible mechanisms. Method: While creating the data source of the study, secondary data emerged from the primary researches made on the same subject obtained as a result of the scans made in Turkish and foreign electronic scientific databases were used. Results: Publications about effects of vitamin K on insulin resistance in three ways that are inflammation, osteocalcin and lipid metabolism have been found. It is emphasized that vitamin K may improve insulin resistance and glucose tolerance by lowering inflammation and blood lipids. It has also been noted that osteocalcin, a vitamin K-dependent protein, may affect betacell function and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Investigations about the role of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance are thought to contribute to the development of prevention strategies from diabetes, a disease that threatens health and creates an economic burden.