Effect of vitamin D drops combined with conventional western medicine on children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

We investigated the therapeutic effect of vitamin D (VitD) drops, combined with conventional western medicine (insulin), on children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Eighty-four children with T1DM were divided into a routine group and an observation group (42 cases in each group). The routine group was treated with insulin; while the observation group was treated with insulin plus VitD drops. The serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The daily dosage of insulin, time needed for glucose control, two-hour postprandial blood sugar and frequency of episodes of hypoglycemia, were recorded. Flow cytometry was used to detect and compare interferon gamma (INF-γ), interleukin 4 (IL4), and INF-γ/IL-4 expression in CD4+ T cells of peripheral blood before and after treatment. Complication rates and readmission rates were documented during the six-month follow-ups. VitD drops significantly improved serum vitamin D levels in the routine group (P<0.05). Compared with this group, the daily doses of insulin were lower, the time of blood sugar reaching normal ranges was shorter and the frequency of hypoglycemia was lower in the observation group (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the 2-hour postprandial blood sugar levels, and flow cytometry results between the two groups (P<0.05). VitD drops combined with insulin are beneficial for blood glucose control of children with T1DM, effectively reducing the insulin utilization rate, reducing the frequency of hypoglycemia, and helping to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance disorder. Complementary treatment with this vitamin is safe and reliable, and can reduce the incidence of complications and readmission rates.