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Published on: February 17, 2023
Vitamin D and insulin resistance
Ian R Wallace1,2, Helen J Wallace1,2, Michelle C McKinley2
1Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK.
Vitamin D supplementation
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, interacts with the vitamin D receptor found in various cells, suggesting a role in insulin response.
- Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) is linked to increased type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk and insulin resistance.
- The potential benefits of vitamin D on glucose and insulin homeostasis remain unclear due to conflicting study results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence and insulin resistance.
- To assess the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in managing T2DM and improving insulin sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and PUBMED, identifying 39 relevant studies.
- Evidence from 10 studies (7 observational, 3 interventional) on vitamin D and T2DM incidence was reviewed.
- Data from 29 studies (1 prospective observational, 12 cross-sectional, 16 interventional) on vitamin D and insulin resistance were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Observational studies suggest an association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and increased T2DM risk.
- However, interventional studies on vitamin D supplementation have yielded conflicting results regarding its effect on insulin resistance.
- Current data does not definitively support a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on T2DM incidence or insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence is insufficient to conclude that vitamin D supplementation impacts type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence or insulin resistance.
- Conflicting results may stem from variations in patient cohorts, assays, and supplementation protocols.
- Further data from ongoing randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify vitamin D's role in T2DM and insulin resistance.
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