Role of Vitamin D in the pathogenesis of diabetes

Abstract

With the predicted continued rise in patients diagnosed with diabetes and anticipated progressive loss of beta cell function in those already affected, there has been ongoing interest in understanding the mechanism of pathogenesis as well as identifying factors that may modulate dysglycemia. Several observational and interventional studies have sought to demonstrate improvement in glycemic control and insulin sensitivity based on vitamin D status. While this relationship has not been consistently seen in medical literature, is it likely due to the duration of intervention, dose and underlying vitamin D status as the most pronounced effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control has been observed in patients with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and who do not have established diabetes. Evidence suggests that vitamin D's effect on the immune system may play a role in reducing risk for developing type 1 diabetes. Therefore, improvement in vitamin D status throughout life may help reduce risk for developing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as improve glycemic control in those who have these disorders