Vitamin D and diabetes

Diabetologia. 2005 Jul;48(7):1247-57. doi: 10.1007/s00125-005-1802-7. Epub 2005 Jun 22.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency predisposes individuals to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and receptors for its activated form-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-have been identified in both beta cells and immune cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to impair insulin synthesis and secretion in humans and in animal models of diabetes, suggesting a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, epidemiological studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency in early life and the later onset of type 1 diabetes. In some populations, type 1 diabetes is associated with certain polymorphisms within the vitamin D receptor gene. In studies in nonobese diabetic mice, pharmacological doses of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, or its structural analogues, have been shown to delay the onset of diabetes, mainly through immune modulation. Vitamin D deficiency may, therefore, be involved in the pathogenesis of both forms of diabetes, and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved could lead to the development of preventive strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Calcitriol / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / physiology*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*

Substances

  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Calcitriol