Vitamin D ratio and glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2018 Mar;34(3). doi: 10.1002/dmrr.2969. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

Abstract

Several studies have suggested a favorable role for vitamin D in glycaemic metabolism and its potential as adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review discusses the role of vitamin D in the glycaemic control of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and evaluates the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic markers in this population. Literature searches were performed in the BIREME, LILACS, and PubMed databases using the Medical Subject Headings and words related to vitamin D, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and glycaemic control. Interventional and observational studies were considered eligible. The evaluation of the included studies was independently performed by 2 evaluators at all stages of selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. The primary outcome was the relationship between vitamin D levels and glucose metabolism markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals. The secondary outcome was the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycaemic control markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The inverse relationship between vitamin D and variables of glucose metabolism was verified. Interventional studies revealed that vitamin D supplementation did not alter glycaemic control markers in most studies. Few studies have shown positive effects with a significant reduction in the percentage of glycated haemoglobin, insulin, and glucose concentrations, and changes in homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance and beta cell, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Therefore, despite the association of vitamin D with glucose metabolism, there is insufficient evidence of the beneficial effects of its supplementation on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: cholecalciferol; hyperglycaemia; systematic review; vitamin D deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / etiology
  • Hyperglycemia / prevention & control*
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypoglycemia / prevention & control*
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D