Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Fasting glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance showed substantial improvement when given 50,000 IU vitamin D daily.
Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant woman who has never been diabetic becomes diabetic or only becomes diabetic during recurring pregnancies (1,2). Gestational diabetes affects an estimated 18% of pregnancies in the United States (2). It is a serious condition that can result in pre-eclampsia, higher rates of cesarean section, increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can affect the infant as well (1). A recent study found that women with gestational diabetes who take vitamin D supplements can improve their glucose levels, insulin resistance and cholesterol levels (1).
The study involved pregnant women from 18-40 years old (average age 31.5 +/- 6.1 yrs) who had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (based on 100 gram oral glucose tolerance test) at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy (1). A total of 54 women were included in the study and were randomly assigned to either the vitamin D group (n=27) or the placebo group (n=27) (1).
Women in the vitamin D group received capsules containing 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 at baseline and at day 21 of the study. Those in the placebo group received placebo capsules at the same times (1).
The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines suggest that all adults that are vitamin D deficient be treated with 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 once a week for 8 weeks or its equivalent of 6000 IU of vitamin D2 per day to achieve a blood level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/day, which they suggest should be followed by maintenance therapy of 1500-2000 IU per day (3).
In the current study, after 6 weeks, vitamin D supplementation showed improvement. Vitamin D levels were significantly improved, fasting glucose levels decreased, insulin levels and insulin resistance decreased as well as total cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol.
| Vitamin D group | Placebo | P value | |
| Vitamin D blood levels | +18.5 ng/ml | +0.5 ng/ml | P<0.001 |
| Fasting glucose | -17.1 mg/dL | -0.9 mg/dl | P<0.001 |
| Insulin levels | -3.08 microIU/mL | +1.34 microIU/mL | P=0.01 |
| Insulin Resistance | -1.28 | +0.34 | P<0.001 |
| Total cholesterol | -11 mg/dl | +9.5 mg/dl | P=0.01 |
| LDL “bad” cholesterol | -10.8 mg/dl | +10.4 mg/dl | P=0.003 |
In conclusion, these results show that vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women with gestational diabetes can improve glucose control and cholesterol levels (1). This is the first study to examine the effects of vitamin D supplementation in gestational diabetes (1). Additional studies are needed to address optimal dosage and how exactly insulin and cholesterol markers are improved (1).
Source: Asemi, Zatollah, et al. “Effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid concentrations, inflammation, and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 98.6 (2013): 1425-1432.
© 2013 American Society for Nutrition
Posted December 26, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Asemi Z, et al. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid concentrations, inflammation and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2013, 98: 1425-32.
- What is Gestational Diabetes? American Diabetes Association.
- Holick, Michael F., et al. “Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 96.7 (2011): 1911-1930.
