Guidelines for Preventing and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency: A 2023 Update in Poland.

Introduction: All epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the Polish general population. Since vitamin D deficiency was shown to be among the risk factors for many diseases and for all-cause mortality, concern about this problem led us to update the previous Polish recommendations. Methods: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence, case-control studies and randomized control trials (RCTs), a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated questions on the recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency both for the general population and for the risk groups of patients. The scientific evidence of pleiotropic effects of vitamin D as well as the results of panelists' voting were reviewed and discussed. Thirty-four authors representing different areas of expertise prepared position statements. The consensus group, representing eight Polish/international medical societies and eight national specialist consultants, prepared the final Polish recommendations. Results: Based on networking discussions, the ranges of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration indicating vitamin D deficiency [<20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L)], and optimal concentration [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)] were confirmed. Practical guidelines for cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the first choice for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency were developed. Calcifediol dosing as the second choice for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency was introduced. Conclusions: Improving the vitamin D status of the general population and treatment of risk groups of patients must be again announced as healthcare policy to reduce a risk of spectrum of diseases. This paper offers consensus statements on prophylaxis and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency in Poland.

Insulin Resistance in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes is Associated with Lower Vitamin D Serum Concentration.

AIM: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disease characterized by an absolute deficiency of endogenous insulin secretion. Insulin resistance (IR) may develop among patients with T1DM. Vitamin D deficiency was reported to be a risk factor in the development of IR. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and IR among patients with T1DM. METHODS: The test group consisted of 110 adult patients [males=65 (59%)] with T1DM. Participants were recruited in Poland between 1st October and 30th April in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. VD serum level was assessed by ELISA array. IR was assessed by estimated Glucose Disposal Rate (eGDR). RESULTS: In the study group 21 (19%) patients were recognized as IR according to eGDR cut-offs (<7.5 mg/kg/min), 52 (47.3%) patients had VD deficiency (25(OH)D<20 ng/ml), 16 (14.5%) patients had 25(OH)D<10 ng/ml. Only 6 (5%) participants reported VD supplementation. Patients with IR, according to eGDR cut-off revealed significantly lower 25(OH)D serum level 15.7 (9.2-28.4) vs. 22.1 (13.0-38.4) ng/ml; p=0.04 as compared to patients without IR. R Spearman analysis found a positive relationship between VD and eGDR (Rs=0.27; p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant relationship between the presence of IR and VD serum level/presence of 25(OH)D serum level below 10 ng/ml, both models adjusted to sex, age, BMI, LDL and triglycerides, accordingly (OR=0.95, CI: 0.90-0.99; p=0.04) and (OR=4.19, CI: 1.04-16.93; p=0.04). CONCLUSION: The serum concentration of Vitamin D is negatively associated with insulin resistance in patients with T1DM and may have clinical implications.

Determinants of Vitamin D Supplementation among Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

Half of the individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) may present Vitamin D (VD) deficiency. There is little known about factors determining a decision on VD supplementation. The study aimed to determine the factors affecting vitamin D supplementation in people with T1DM. A cross-sectional survey study using the authors' questionnaire paper and its digital version was performed. The questions involved data on the basic characteristics of the respondent, medical history, VD supplementation status, influence of the social environment, self-education, and the most important personal motivator for VD supplement use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. We collected a total of n = 184 papers and n = 550 digital complete surveys. From 734 total respondents, 62.0% declared VD supplementation. The main personal rationale for VD supplementation were recommendation of medical specialist 172 (37.8%) and self-education 135 (29.7%). The main reasons for non-supplementation of VD were lack of knowledge about VD 159 (57.0%) and lack of motivation 77 (27.6%). VD supplementation was independently associated with a family doctor (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.67, 2.32-9.40) or medical specialist recommendation (16.20, 9.57-27.43), and self-education (5.97, 3.90-9.13). Most Polish individuals with T1DM use VD supplements, and the decision is related to physicians' recommendations and self-education.