PROSPECTS FOR PREVENTION AND PROPHYLAXIS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS THROUGH VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION

Purpose: To investigate the prospects for prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) through vitamin D supplementation in risk groups. Material/Methods: A targeted review of the scientific literature by keywords in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, over the last 10 years and the full text of the scientific reports was performed. Clinical and epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk of developing T1DM were analyzed. The research study was financed with funds from the state budget, provided through the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) to the Science Fund at the Medical University – Varna for financing the scientific activity inherent in state higher education institutions under project No. 24034 "Awareness, treatment and control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus of long duration". Results: The results show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of T1DM, and early supplementation, even in childhood, can reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. However, the results are not unambiguous and remain controversial regarding the uniformly accepted recommended dose and duration of intake. Conclusion: Despite the encouraging results, additional long-term studies are needed to establish vitamin D as an effective prophylactic agent against T1DM. Early intervention in genetically predisposed individuals may be a key element in future prevention strategies.