Section Review—Oncologic, Endocrine & Metabolic: Potential Use of Vanadium Compounds in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Vanadium is a trace element of ubiquitous occurrence. Vanadium compounds have been shown to exert a variety of insulin-like effects both in vitro and in vivo. These effects include their ability to lower hyperglycaemia in animal models of type I, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Vanadium therapy also corrects several metabolic abnormalities associated with the diabetic state. Preliminary studies in human diabetic subjects have shown an improved insulin sensitivity in NIDDM and in some IDDM subjects. Thus, vanadium compounds, either alone or in combination with other agents, have the potential to serve as antidiabetic agents.