Summary
This study, executed by the University of Teheran, Iran, and a university in Malaysia, aimed to demonstrate that a variant of vitamin D (alfacalcidol) preserves beta cell function in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Beta cells in the pancreas produce and release insulin in response to blood glucose levels. 61 subjects were randomized into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group received alfacalcidol (0.25 µg) twice daily, while the control group received a placebo. Beta cell function, vitamin D levels, and long-term glucose levels (HbA1c) were assessed during the study. This study confirmed that this variant of vitamin D can safely preserve the function of insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in children with type 1 diabetes. No adverse effects were observed. More details can be found in the study.
References
Ataie-Jafari et al.