Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Elderly Diabetes Patients: Study

DPN is a common complication of T2DM, characterized by nerve damage leading to sensory and motor deficits. VDD has emerged as a potential risk factor for DPN, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Understanding the relationship between VDD and DPN could provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for managing neuropathic complications in T2DM.

The study included 257 elderly patients with T2DM and utilized propensity score matching to balance demographic and diabetes-related factors. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured to assess VDD, defined as levels below 20 ng/ml. Nerve conduction studies were conducted to evaluate both large and small nerve fiber lesions.

The key findings of the study were:

• DPN patients had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels compared to non-DPN patients (15.05 vs. 18.4 ng/ml).

• VDD was identified as an independent risk factor for DPN, with a 2.488-fold higher risk in individuals with VDD.

• Serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with specific nerve latencies and positively correlated with nerve velocities and amplitudes.

• Patients with VDD exhibited longer sensory and motor nerve latencies compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels.

• Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between VDD and DPN, even after adjusting for potential confounders.

The study provides compelling evidence for the link between VDD and DPN in elderly T2DM patients. The findings suggest that VDD may contribute to neuropathic complications by affecting large nerve fiber lesions. Identifying and addressing VDD in this population could be crucial for preventing and managing DPN.

Vitamin D deficiency is independently associated with a higher risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting vitamin D deficiency in the management of neuropathic complications in diabetes.

Reference:

Fei, S., Fan, J., Cao, J., Chen, H., Wang, X., & Pan, Q. (2024). Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by predominantly increasing large-fiber lesions. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 209(111585), 111585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111585