Vitamin D in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

Purpose: Neuropathy is one of the most important complications of diabetes. According to recent advances, vitamin D deficiency might play a role in the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, therapeutic vitamin D supplementation has the potential to improve this condition. The aim of the present review was to summarize new data available in this area. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for articles written in English and published through September 2021, using combinations of the following key words: vitamin D, diabetes, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, polyneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, supplementation, and therapy. Findings: A number of studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency can play a significant role in the development of peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, as well as cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation might serve as an effective adjuvant therapy for neuropathic pain and may slow or stop the progression of neural damage. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the role of vitamin D in diabetic neuropathy and the latest data on its treatment. Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation may be an effective adjunctive therapy for neuropathic pain and can potentially slow down the progression of neural damage.