Study of Relationship between Serum 25 (OH) Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance in Prediabetic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-diabetes is a notable predisposing factor for the onset of diabetes and cardiovascular ailments. There is a strong correlation between it and obesity, a condition that is commonly connected to low levels of vitamin D.

Objective: To assess and compare the levels of vitamin D in persons with normal glucose levels, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. Additionally, the study intended to investigate the correlation between insulin resistance and vitamin D status in these groups.

Materials and Methods: The study comprised a cohort of 50 individuals without diabetes, 50 persons with prediabetes, and 50 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Waist-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Analyzed parameters were fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, lipid profiles, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The HOMA2-IR and HOMA2-β values were determined using the HOMA 2 calculator to assess insulin resistance and beta cell function, respectively.

Results: Among the study participants, 24% of persons with normal health, 42% of those with pre-diabetes, and 52% of those with diabetes were found to have a deficit of vitamin D, defined as having a level below 20 ng/ml. The serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels in diabetics were considerably lower (p<0.0001) compared to both normals and pre-diabetics (p<0.0001). The 25 OH Vitamin D levels showed a significant negative connection with fasting blood sugar (FBS) in individuals with diabetes (r = -0.57) and prediabetes (r = -0.64), as well as with systolic blood pressure (r = -0.46) and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.48) in individuals with diabetes.

Conclusion: Individuals in the pre-diabetic stage commonly suffer from a lack of Vitamin D, and those with severe insufficiency (less than 10 ng/ml) have the greatest levels of insulin resistance. The results of our study provide evidence in favor of the notion that vitamin D levels can serve as an early indicator for diabetes. Additionally, our findings indicate that it may be beneficial to consider vitamin D supplementation during the pre-diabetic phase.