Vitamin D Lowers Cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetics

Vitamin D Lowers Cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetics

February 23, 2016

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In a new study published in December 2015, researchers reported that vitamin D supplementation reduces total cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is associated with elevated cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the American Diabetes Association, 65% of adults with diabetes have elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

The researchers evaluated 28 subjects with type 2 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 20 ng/mL. The subjects received 16,000 IU of calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) orally once a week for a minimum of eight weeks and a mean treatment period of 84.1 days. The investigators measured serum vitamin D as well as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased in all subjects to greater than 20 ng/mL and total cholesterol was significantly reduced. Reductions in LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides did not reach statistical significance and HDL cholesterol remained unchanged.

The study authors stated, “Correction of vitamin D deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients decreases total cholesterol. Our results do not rule out reductions in LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.”

Reference:
Ramiro-Lozano JM, et al. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2015;6:245-8.