Calcium, Vitamin D and Metformin to Treat Insulin Resistance in Obese African American Adolescent Females

This is a feasibility study to examine the treatment with Metformin, vitamin D with calcium supplement for insulin resistance in obese, black, female teens. The association of low vitamin D levels and decreased insulin sensitivity has been established. Thus, the specific aims of this study are: Specific aim 1: To examine the effect of an 8-week treatment with vitamin D and calcium supplementations on diabetes-related risk factors in obese, black, female teens. Hypothesis 1a: In obese, black, female teens with both insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency, treatment with vitamin D and calcium supplementation will significantly improve measures of insulin resistance and sensitivity (as determined by the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and whole body insulin sensitivity index measures) when compared to controls not receiving vitamin D and calcium. Hypothesis 1b: In obese, black teen females with both insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency, treatment with vitamin D and calcium supplementation will significantly improve measures of cardiovascular disease (decreased BMI and improved triglycerides and LDL) when compared to controls not receiving vitamin D and calcium. Specific aim 2: To determine if the addition of Metformin to the 8-week treatment with vitamin D and calcium supplementations improves diabetes-related risk factors in obese, black, female teens. Hypothesis 2a: In obese, black, female teens with both insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency, treatment with Metformin, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation will significantly improve measures of insulin resistance and sensitivity (as determined by the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and whole body insulin sensitivity index measures) when compared to standard of care or treatment with vitamin D with calcium supplementation alone while controlling for dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium. Hypothesis 2b: In obese, black, female teens with both insulin resistance and vitamin D deficiency, treatment with Metformin, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation will significantly improve measures of cardiovascular disease risk (as determined by the decreased BMI, improved triglycerides and LDL) when compared to standard of care or treatment with vitamin D with calcium supplementation alone while controlling for dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium.