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Vitamin D can help alleviate pain in women with type 2 diabetes and depression, according to a new study.

In the study, participants were given weekly vitamin D2 supplementation for six months. The findings revealed that depression significantly improved following supplementation for women with type 2 diabetes and depression.

Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in neuropathic and sensory pain at three and six months following vitamin D2 supplementation.

Initially, 61 percent of participants experienced shooting or burning pain in their lefs and feet and 74 percent experienced numbness and tingling in their hands, fingers and legs.

"Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression," lead researcher Todd Doyle of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said in a news release. "While further research is needed, D2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes."

"Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes," added co-researcher Sue Penckofer of Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. "This NIH grant will allow us to shed greater light on understanding the role that this nutrient plays in managing the health of women with diabetes."

The findings were presented at a research conference at Loyola's Health Sciences Campus.