Abstract
Aims To test whether a single large dose of vitamin D2 can improve endothelial function in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Methods Double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled randomized trial. A single dose of 100 000 IU vitamin D2 or placebo was administered to patients with Type 2 diabetes over the winter, when levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D were likely to be lowest. Patients were enrolled if their baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was < 50 nmol/l. Endothelial function and blood pressure were measured and fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and 8 weeks after administration of vitamin D.
Results Forty-nine per cent of subjects screened had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels < 50 nmol/l. Thirty-four subjects completed the study, with a mean age of 64 years and a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 38.3 nmol/l. Vitamin D supplementation increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels by 15.3 nmol/l relative to placebo and significantly improved flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery by 2.3%. The improvement in FMD remained significant after adjusting for changes in blood pressure. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased systolic blood pressure by 14 mmHg compared with placebo; this did not correlate with change in FMD.
Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency is common in patients with Type 2 diabetes during winter in Scotland. A single large dose of oral vitamin D2 improves endothelial function in patients with Type 2 diabetes and vitamin D insufficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 320-325 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Diabetic Medicine |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2008 |
Keywords
- blood pressure
- endothelial function
- vitamin D
- CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE
- BLOOD-PRESSURE
- 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D-3
- D SUPPLEMENTATION
- HEART-DISEASE
- PREVENTION
- EXPRESSION
- CALCIUM
- RISK
- FLOW