Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Insulin Resistance in T2DM

There have been studies showing a relationship between T2DM and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can be seen in diseases such as CVD, metabolic syndrome disorders and osteoporosis. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is more common in women with T2DM. Vitamin D plays many different roles in the body such as increasing calcium concentration in the cells, regulating the peroxisome proliferative activated receptor (PPAR), and anti-inflammatory properties.

This was an 8-week single blind study, which included 100 patients with T2DM. Patients were given vitamin D₃ with their current diet and drug regimen. Patients were told to keep their same medications and diet regimens. After treatment with vitamin D₃, FPG and insulin concentration decreased significantly. Hemostatic model assessment-Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) showed a reduction after vitamin supplementation was given. Mean serum concentration of TC, TG, HDL or LDL cholesterol did not change after eight weeks of supplementation.

It appears that 25(OH)D concentration and final FPG has an inverse relationship. The higher concentration of 25(OH)D led to a lower level of FPG. When concentration of vitamin d was 40-60 ng/ml, the effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance was significant.

A limitation on the study was that a placebo was not used when comparing the effects of vitamin D in T2DM.

• T2DM patients have lower concentration of 25(OH)D
• Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency more common in women with T2DM
• FPG and insulin concentration decreased after treatment of vitamin D

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome February 2013