Pharmacological Role of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Prevention of Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that requires immediate changes in lifestyle. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy, in both the conditions vitamin D play an important role in supporting pathogenesis. Vitamin D is regulated in the form of 25OHD from kidney to intestine and to the blood. Vitamin D and pro drug can protect against complications of diabetes like kidney failure, vision loss, hypertension and heart attack. Vitamin D receptors are present in both pancreatic beta-cells and immune cells. Beside its classical role as the major regulator for calcium absorption, it mediates the activity of beta-cell calcium dependent endopeptidases promotes conversion of proinsulin to insulin and increases insulin output. In peripheral insulin target tissues, it enhances insulin action via regulation of the calcium pool. Its deficiency impairs insulin secretion and induces glucose intolerance. Vitamin D supplementation has shown to reduce the risk of developing type2 diabetes. Vitamin D intake is essential for maternal health and prevention of adverse outcomes. Circulating 25OHD concentrations reflect vitamin D status, and the normal range is between ~32 ng/ml and ~80 ng/ml, with values below ~32 ng/ml defined as deficient.