Vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem, accounting for significant premature mortality and morbidity. The growth in prevalence of the condition appears to be closely linked with obesity. Over the last 5 years, a number of large observational studies have suggested an association between the onset of type 2 diabetes and Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D has important effects on insulin action, and may impact on a number of pathways which may be of importance in the development of type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the evidence linking Vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, and suggests areas for urgent further research to determine whether Vitamin D replacement has a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.