Abstract

Through its regulatory effects on pancreatic beta cells and immune cells, vitamin D demonstrates the ability to positively influence insulin sensitivity, enhance insulin secretion, decrease systematic inflammation and promote beta cell longevity. These effects cumulatively link vitamin D to diabetes mellitus (DM) and therefore imply that this steroid hormone (vitamin D) may play a role in the prevention or even treatment of the diabetes. Evidence from research has already established an inverse relationship between vitamin D and diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the influencing role of vitamin D in the prevention of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and to briefly present supporting evidence on the relationship between types 1 and 2 diabetes and vitamin D.

Key words: Vitamin D, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus