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Vitamin D and diabetes
Anastassios G Pittas1, Bess Dawson-Hughes
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, United States. apittas@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Vitamin D may influence diabetes risk, with some studies suggesting a protective role, particularly in early life. However, conclusive evidence from clinical trials is still needed to confirm its effects on diabetes prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Vitamin D is investigated as a potential risk modifier for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Its proposed mechanisms involve direct effects via the vitamin D receptor and indirect effects on calcium homeostasis, influencing beta-cell function, insulin action, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on vitamin D's role in the pathophysiology and risk modification of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- To assess the consistency and reliability of findings from observational studies and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal and human studies, including observational case-control and longitudinal studies.
- Analysis of results from small, underpowered trials and post-hoc analyses of larger bone-specific outcome trials.
Main Results:
- Observational studies suggest vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy/early childhood may reduce type 1 diabetes risk, but no trials exist for type 1 diabetes.
- Associations between vitamin D insufficiency and type 2 diabetes are inconsistent; trials show no effect on glycemia in healthy adults but potential benefit in retarding progression in glucose-intolerant adults.
- Positive observational findings may be confounded by vitamin D as a marker of general health.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that vitamin D modifies diabetes risk requires confirmation through specifically designed clinical trials.
- Further research is necessary to establish a causal link and determine the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for diabetes prevention or management.
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