Efficacy of Calcitriol in Recent Onset Type 1 Diabetes

Summary

Reduction in vitamin D levels has been reported in subjects with recent onset type 1 diabetes. Several studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation in early childhood decreases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, therefore vitamin D deficiency might play a role in the disease pathogenesis. We investigated whether the supplementation of the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in subjects with recent-onset type 1 diabetes can protect residual beta cell function evaluated by C peptide and improve glycaemic control as evaluated by HbA1c and insulin requirement. Thirty-four subjects (age range 11-35 years, median 18 years) with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (\<12 weeks duration) and high basal C-peptide \>0.25 nmol/l were randomized in a double-blind trial to calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D, 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 \[1,25-(OH)2D3\] ) at the dose of 0.25 ug/day or placebo, and followed up for 2 years.

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Publications

• Background Pitocco D, Crino A, Di Stasio E, Manfrini S, Guglielmi C, Spera S, Anguissola GB, Visalli N, Suraci C, Matteoli MC, Patera IP, Cavallo MG, Bizzarri C, Pozzilli P; IMDIAB Group. The effects of calcitriol and nicotinamide on residual pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB XI). Diabet Med. 2006 Aug;23(8):920-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2006.01921.x.
• Bizzarri C, Pitocco D, Napoli N, Di Stasio E, Maggi D, Manfrini S, Suraci C, Cavallo MG, Cappa M, Ghirlanda G, Pozzilli P; IMDIAB Group. No protective effect of calcitriol on beta-cell function in recent-onset type 1 diabetes: the IMDIAB XIII trial. Diabetes Care. 2010 Sep;33(9):1962-3. doi: 10.2337/dc10-0814.

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