High-dose vitamin D supplementation in people with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation could improve insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and prevent diabetes in individuals with prediabetes and low vitamin D levels.
Results Summary
Vitamin D supplementation raised 25-OHD levels significantly but did not improve insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, or reduce diabetes incidence compared to placebo. A1C levels were slightly lower (0.2%) in the vitamin D group at 12 months.
Population
Adults ≥40 years with prediabetes (A1C 5.8-6.9%) and hypovitaminosis D (25-OHD <30 ng/mL).
Effective Dosage
Mean weekly dose of 88,865 IU, adjusted by body weight and baseline 25-OHD levels.
Duration
1 year
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation | increase | 25-OHD levels | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | from 22 to nearly 70 ng/mL | rapidly rose | #1 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | fasting plasma glucose | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #2 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | 2-h glucose | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #3 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | insulin secretion | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #4 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | insulin sensitivity | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #5 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | the percent developing diabetes | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #6 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | the percent returning to normal glucose tolerance | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | no differences | #7 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | serum calcium levels | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | No subjects experienced increased | #8 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | urinary calcium levels | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | No subjects experienced increased | #9 |
vitamin D supplementation | decrease | A1C levels | subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | 0.2% | significantly slightly less | #10 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | insulin secretion | individuals with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | had no effect | #11 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | insulin sensitivity | individuals with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | had no effect | #12 |
vitamin D supplementation | no change | the development of diabetes | individuals with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D | - | had no effect | #13 |
OBJECTIVE: Low vitamin D levels predict the development of diabetes. This double-blind, randomized, control study in subjects with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D evaluated whether high doses of vitamin D for 1 year affected insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and the development of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 1,551 subjects ≥40 years of age not known to have diabetes were screened with A1C levels. Subjects with A1C levels of 5.8-6.9% underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Subjects with prediabetes and 25-OH vitamin D (25-OHD) levels <30 ng/mL were randomized to receive weekly placebo (n = 53) or vitamin D (n = 56) with doses based on body weight and baseline 25-OHD levels. OGTTs were performed 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. Insulin secretion and sensitivity were measured, and the proportion of subjects developing diabetes was assessed. RESULTS: 25-OHD levels rapidly rose from 22 to nearly 70 ng/mL after vitamin D supplementation with a mean weekly dose of 88,865 IU. There were no differences between the placebo and vitamin D groups regarding fasting plasma glucose, 2-h glucose, or insulin secretion and sensitivity or in the percent developing diabetes or returning to normal glucose tolerance. No subjects experienced increased serum or urinary calcium levels. At 12 months, A1C levels were significantly slightly less (0.2%) in the vitamin D group. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with prediabetes and hypovitaminosis D, doses of vitamin D supplementation designed to raise serum 25-OHD levels into the upper-normal range for 1 year had no effect on insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, or the development of diabetes compared with placebo administration.