Does Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetics?

Diabetes and Vitamin D Studies Evaluation Table Clearly Focused Issue Appropriate Method to Answer the Research Question Acceptable Recruitment Methods Acceptable Method of Selection of Controls Minimization of Bias Were the Confounders Accounted for in the Study Design Are the Results Believable Are They Applicable to Other Populations (Generalizable) Do the Results Fit with Available Evidence Witham et al., 2010 This is a follow-up study. The issue is whether patients with a vitamin D level of higher than 250 HD will gain a benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

A positive result is defined by reaching a level of 75 nmol or above. This is considered the level for optimum health. Patients for the study were selected from general practice and diabetes specialty offices based on a positive type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis in accordance with the requirement set forth by the World Health Organization. The group was divided into three sub-groups. The control had a placebo. The other two groups were given 100,000 IU and 200,000 IU of vitamin D2.

The people for each group were randomly selected by a computer and assigned a numeric code. The actual grouping was unknown to the researchers until after the study was complete and the data entered. The primary confounder accounted for in this study was whether vitamin D always gives a positive reaction. This was accounted for by using two differing doses. If the research theory is correct, then the larger dose will provide an improved outcome. The results were that neither dosage significantly improved the patient's diabetes symptoms.

These findings are applicable to all populations of those with type 2 diabetes. This result does fit within the available evidence, as all studies have found some, but no substantial improvement. George et al., 2012 This is a literature study that reviews all the most recent study findings over the past five years and forms a conclusion on these studies. The study reviews all studies on the subject published in the past 5 years using searches in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration. The following groups of studies were reviewed: vit D. Vs.

placebo, vit D. And calcium vs. calcium alone, vit D. And calcium vs. placebo. There are no controls as this is a literature study. All studies that met the criteria were reviewed and the data compiled. This is a literature review. There is overall consensus that the effect of vit. D is minimal. This is a believable result. Unknown This study is in agreement with all current evidence. Eftekhari et al., 2011 This study seeks to ascertain the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetic patients in Iran.

To answer this question, a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial is being used. Study recruited 70 subjects (35 male, 35 female) with type 2 diabetes on oral hypoglycemic drugs. All were recruited from the Motahari Outpatient Clinic. Patients were randomly assigned to either a study or control group. The study group received two capsules of calcitrol per day. The second group received a placebo. Random groupings ensured no bias. Patients were not permitted any other supplements including vitamins during the study. The results are the same as the.