This is the sixth of an eight part series exploring Ontario's decision to stop OHIP/Medicare funding for vitamin D testing.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of eye disease in diabetics (diabetic retinopathy). So says a recently published study presented October 17, 2010 at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy because it is essential for normal insulin release and glucose metabolism. Vitamin D also decreases the levels of inflammatory cytokines that are up regulated in diabetes and cause tissue damage just about everywhere, including the retina of the eye. If you are a diabetic, however, you are out of luck if you want Medicare coverage for vitamin D testing. That will be $51.70 please. Otherwise, check in with your nearest over-worked ophthalmologist and get in line for those sight saving surgeries.
 

Dr. Zoltan Rona