Considering The Role of Vitamin A in Glucose Metabolism

Abstract

Vitamin A as an essential micronutrient is needed for multiple physiological processes. The association between this nutrient and glucose metabolism has been documented in numerous studies with animals and humans. Vitamin A is required for the maintenance of pancreatic β and α cell mass and for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Moreover, the vitamin and its metabolites modulate insulin resistance. Many studies indicate the role of vitamin A in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes through its effect on regulation of autoimmune processes and β cell mass as well as in type 2 diabetes through its effect on insulin resistance. Retinol ‘family’ plays an important role in maintaining the correct glucose metabolism, so it is essential to provide the homeostasis of this nutrients in the body. Awareness of pathophysiology of retinol’s impact on the organism is crucial, one of the most costly chronic diseases may be prevented by food fortification and it may result in insertion of newest drugs in diabetology.