12.4. VD and type I diabetes mellitus
1,25(OH)2D acts as an immune modulator, reducing cytokine
production and lymphocyte proliferation, which have been
implicated in the destruction of insulin-secreting b cells in the
pancreas and the development of type 1diabetes mellitus.87 In
addition, b-islet cells express the VDR and respond to 1,25(OH)
2D by increasing insulinproduction.70,87,145,146