No Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Treatment on β-Cell Function, Insulin Sensitivity, or Glucose Homeostasis in Subjects With Abnormal Glucose Tolerance: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: There has been conflicting evidence regarding the potential role of vitamin D in glucose homeostasis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 treatment on β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance in subjects with prediabetes or diet-treated type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects (n = 44) were randomized to 30,000 IU vitamin D3 once weekly or placebo for 8 weeks. Hyperglycemic clamp assessed first-phase (0-12 min) and second-phase (12-120 min) insulin response, insulin sensitivity, and disposition index (DI). An oral glucose tolerance test assessed glucose tolerance and glycosylated hemoglobin assessed glycemic control.

RESULTS: A total of 21 (vitamin D) and 22 (placebo) subjects completed the study, respectively. Season-adjusted 25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were doubled in the active treated group (43-82 nmol/L). No effect of vitamin D treatment, compared with placebo, was seen on first-phase or second-phase insulin secretion. There were no group differences in insulin sensitivity, DI, or any measures of glycemic control. No hypercalcemia or other adverse effects of vitamin D treatment were seen compared with placebo. Subgroup analyses of those with the lowest basal and greatest increase in 25(OH)D levels did not change these results.

CONCLUSIONS: This study gives no support for any substantial effect of high-dose vitamin D treatment for 8 weeks in prediabetes or diet-treated type 2 diabetes on β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, or glycemic control.