The Effects of Vitamin D on Preventing Hyperglycemia and a Novel Approach to Its Treatment

Abstract

The dietary reference levels for vitamin D were established with an emphasis on its role in bone health; however, with the identification of vitamin D receptors in all body tissues novel associations with other metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, are being researched. Aside from its standard function as the main regulator of calcium absorption, vitamin D also controls the calcium pool, mediates the activity of beta cell calcium-dependent endopeptidases, encourages the conversion of proinsulin to insulin, increases insulin output, and raises insulin activity in peripheral insulin target tissues. Both immune cells and pancreatic beta cells include vitamin D receptors. A deficiency of vitamin D causes glucose intolerance and affects insulin secretion. Different pathogenic characteristics of the disease are linked to a number of vitamin D-related genes. It has been proven that vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and its associated problems. In this article, we discussed a few prospective clinical trials on vitamin D that are necessary to clearly demonstrate the role of vitamin D in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Keywords

• vitamin D
• diabetes mellitus
• insulin resistance
• beta cell protection
• cholecalciferol