Vitamin D3 in the Type 1 Diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, Its Use for Prevention and Treatment

Abstract Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of pancreatic beta cells through cell injury caused primarily by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8 + ). The pathophysiological basis of T1DM seems to be an imbalance between a reduced function of T regulatory lymphocytes and an increased inflammatory activity of Th17 lymphocytes caused by increased production of inflammatory cytokines, as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-Ƴ due to environmental factors and genetic predisposition. The preservation of the reserve of beta cells in new-onset T1DM and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) by immunomodulation seems to be possible with vitamin D3. We discuss the effects of the vitamin D3 on the immune system and on beta cell function and their eventual effects in preserving the residual function of beta cells in new-onset T1DM and LADA.