title: The effects of calcitriol and nicotinamide on residual pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB XI).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A number of recent studies underline the importance of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation with the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in subjects with recent-onset T1D protects residual pancreatic beta-cell function and improves glycaemic control (HbA(1c) and insulin requirement).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this open-label randomized trial, 70 subjects with recent-onset T1D, mean age 13.6 years +/- 7.6 sd were randomized to calcitriol (0.25 microg on alternate days) or nicotinamide (25 mg/kg daily) and followed up for 1 year. Intensive insulin therapy was implemented with three daily injections of regular insulin + NPH insulin at bedtime.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were observed between calcitriol and nicotinamide groups in respect of baseline/stimulated C-peptide or HbA1c 1 year after diagnosis, but the insulin dose at 3 and 6 months was significantly reduced in the calcitriol group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At the dosage used, calcitriol has a modest effect on residual pancreatic beta-cell function and only temporarily reduces the insulin dose.
authors.affiliation: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pitocco
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crinò
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Stasio
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manfrini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guglielmi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spera
authors.forename: G Beretta
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Anguissola
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Visalli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suraci
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Matteoli
authors.forename: I P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Patera
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Cavallo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bizzarri
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pozzilli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007328:Insulin; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D009536:Niacinamide; D002117:Calcitriol