# Evaluating the Role of Vitamin D in Prediabetes Management, Insights from RCTs in the MENA Region: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This study reviews whether vitamin D helps manage prediabetes in the MENA region, finding mixed results from clinical trials.

## Contribution

The paper provides a systematic review of RCTs in the MENA region, highlighting the inconsistent effects of vitamin D on prediabetes.

## Key findings

- Some studies found no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on prediabetes outcomes.
- Other studies reported improved insulin sensitivity and reduced diabetes risk with vitamin D.
- The results suggest a need for further research to clarify vitamin D's role in this population.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, which were Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. RCTs studies conducted on people with prediabetes aged 15 years and older who live in the MENA region, and receiving vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Results: From 2194 studies identified from the literature search, only 51 studies were considered eligible for full-text review. Ultimately, seven articles were finalized for inclusion. The findings from these studies showed mixed results, where some studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on these outcomes. The remaining reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of progression to type 2 diabetes with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This systematic review examines the complex and contradictory relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the MENA region. Due to the mixed pattern seen in the intervention of vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential confounding factors specifically in population of the MENA region.