Abstract

Glucose metabolism was studied in a patient with vitamin D deficiency during its treatment with small doses of vitamin D. A continuous infusion of glucose test was performed to assess glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were derived by mathematical modelling. Fasting glucose was 5.6 mmol/l and achieved glucose after the infusion was 10.4 mmol/l confirming diabetes. The test was repeated 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 months after starting treatment. Serum calcium increased glucose intolerance from 1.76 to 2.0, 2.08, 1.96 and 2.0 mmol/l, respectively; vitamin D reached supraphysiological levels initially and returned to normal levels, and parathyroid hormone levels were normalized. Her weight did not change during treatment. Glucose tolerance improved during treatment and achieved glucose was 9.4, 8.6, 9.2 and 9.0 mmol/l at 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 months, respectively; insulin sensitivity did not change. Beta-cell function improved from 101% at diagnosis to 126%, 147%, 173% and 198% at 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 months, respectively. Improvement in beta-cell function and consequently in glucose tolerance is likely to have been due to correction of hypocalcaemia, vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism.