Association of Vitamin D Serum Levels With Glycemic, Lipid Profiles, and Diabetic Complications in Saudi Type II Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is essential for calcium regulation and immune function. Its deficiency is linked to various diseases. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high, but its association with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) complications is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and glycemic control, lipid profiles, and major DM complications among type II DM patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 type II DM patients. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and correlated with anthropometric data, glycemic (fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)) and lipid (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides) profiles, and DM complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy). Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant associations.

Results: Vitamin D levels were significantly correlated with age, gender, HDL levels, and neuropathy. Females exhibited higher vitamin D levels than males (P < 0.05). HDL levels were significantly associated with vitamin D levels (P < 0.001), but no significant correlation was found with fasting blood glucose or HbA1c. Vitamin D-deficient patients were more likely to develop neuropathy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with neuropathy and lower HDL levels in type II DM patients. These findings suggest the potential role of vitamin D in managing DM complications. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these results.