Vitamin D and Its Regulatory Role in Pancreatic β-Cell Function: Implications for Diabetes

Xingpei Meng,1,* Xue Yang,2,* Hua Lu,3 Xuehua Yang,4 Demei Hu,4 Hongping Wu4 1Department of General Practice, School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Practice, The People’s Hospital Of QianNan, Duyun, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, 558000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of General Practice Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, 558000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, 558000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xue Yang, Department of General Practice, The People’s Hospital Of QianNan, No. 9, Wenfeng Road, Duyun, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, 558000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15180775530, Email [email protected]: Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction represents a key pathological feature in the development and progression of diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence has confirmed the widespread expression of vitamin D receptors in pancreatic tissue, suggesting a potential regulatory role in glucose metabolism. Epidemiological studies have consistently reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased diabetes incidence, impaired insulin secretion, and poor glycemic control. Vitamin D has been known to support pancreatic islet function by modulating β-cell proliferation, enhancing insulin synthesis and secretion, and mitigating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This review systematically discusses vitamin D metabolism and physiological functions, the role of pancreatic islet dysfunction in diabetes pathogenesis, vitamin D receptor expression and activity in pancreatic tissue, epidemiological correlations between vitamin D status and diabetes risk, and the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D influences β-cell function. Furthermore, this review examines the therapeutic implications of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention and management of diabetes. It contributes to a growing body of knowledge that informs potential strategies to improve diabetes outcomes through vitamin D-related pathways.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, pancreatic β cells, pancreatic islet function, vitamin D, vitamin D receptor