Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that has reached epidemic proportions, with India being designated as the diabetic capital. It is a chronic disorder that can lead to many microvascular and macrovascular complications. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. This study aimed to assess the levels of Vitamin D in Type-2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with microvascular complications and glycemic control.
Methodology: The study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine, SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. A total of 50 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were admitted to SCB Medical College hospital, were randomly selected after obtaining informed consent. The detailed medical history was collected through clinical examination and necessary laboratory tests were conducted. Two groups were formed, comprising diabetes patients in group I and healthy subjects in group II.
Results: Of the total 50 cases in group I, 31 (62%) were male and 19 (38%) were female, and in group II, 10 (50%) were male and 10 (50%) were female. The mean level of 25 OH vitamin D was 17.09 \(\pm\) 1.36 ng/ml in group I. Out of 50 subjects, 98% were vitamin D deficient, i.e., < 20 ng/ml, 2% were insufficient, and none were sufficient. The mean 25 OH vitamin D level in group II was 18.29 \(\pm\) 1.36 ng/ml. Out of 20 controls, 18 (90%) were vitamin D deficient i.e., < 20 ng/ml, and 2 (10%) controls were vitamin D insufficient.
Discussion: This study found that the mean level of vitamin D3 in diabetes patients was 17.09 \(\pm\) 1.36 ng/ml compared to the control group. The correlation coefficient between vitamin D level and fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, and HbA1c was statistically significant, with retinopathy and neuropathy significantly associated with hypovitaminosis.
Conclusion: Given the enormous social and economic costs of type 2 diabetes and its devastating complications, there is an urgent need to develop effective strategies for curbing the epidemic through prevention and early treatment. Further interventional studies may be required to determine the recommended daily allowances of vitamin D.
