Publication:

Assessment of vitamin D status and its association with insulin resistance among type 2 diabetic subjects

Background The 21st century has seen the rise of diabetes mellitus as one of the major metabolic issues as is vitamin D deficiency which has been found to be pandemic worldwide. The present study is an endeavor to study the status of serum vitamin D levels in relation to the glycemic and insulin resistance status in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods The present is a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 100 type 2 diabetic subjects in the age group of 30-60 years. Serum vitamin D and Insulin levels were estimated using the ELISA technique. HbA1c levels were measured using immunoturbidimetric assays and plasma glucose levels were determined using glucose oxidase- peroxidase method.

Results The fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and serum insulin levels were found to be significantly higher in those with vitamin D levels below the normal cut-off value of less than 30ng/ml (p value <0.01). Also, the insulin resistance calculated using HOMA-IR was found to be higher in those subjects having vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.

Conclusions Hence, the study suggests that vitamin D deficiency contributes to further insulin resistance and poorer long-term diabetic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects.