Efficacy of Calcitriol in Recent Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
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.