Diabetes is a life-long disease that is getting more common in Canada. One of the most common
problems in people with kidney disease is diabetes and low bone mineral density (BMD). This
can lead to a higher chance for broken bones, infection and life-long health problems. The
most common reason for having low BMD is not getting enough vitamin D (Vit D) in your diet
and not having enough sunlight. This is very common in Canada (especially in northern
Alberta) because winter is very long. Most people also don't eat or drink enough foods that
are high in Vit D (like milk) and so they don't have enough Vit D in their body to make
healthy bones. This can mean the only way to get enough Vit D in your body for your bones
when you have kidney disease is to take some extra vitamin D in a pill. Most people are not
aware that they have poor bone health until they break a bone. Broken bones can really hurt
and can prevent a person from being able to walk and take care of themselves. Right now, we
are not sure exactly how much Vit D people with diabetes and kidney disease need to take to
prevent them from having low BMD or how often they need to take it. Our plan is to study the
effect of two ways to take Vit D pills (every day or once a month) on overall Vit D status
and on bone health in adult patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease and see how
this influences their quality of life.
Hypotheses:
1. Vitamin D supplementation (2,000 IU/day and 40,000 IU/month) for six months will result
in significantly improved overall vitamin D status and improved markers of bone health
in adult patients with diabetic nephropathy.
2. Monthly dosing of vitamin D (40,000 IU/month) over six months will result in improved
patient adherence and satisfaction with vitamin D supplementation when compared to daily
dosing of vitamin D (2000 IU/D). This will improve vitamin D status and bone health
parameters, which will result in an increased quality of life and sense of well-being.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Alberta
Treatments:
Cholecalciferol Ergocalciferols Vitamin D Vitamins