Type 2 Diabetes : Over 60% Patients Have Vitamin D Deficiency

A recent study found that 64.2% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer from vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Factors such as poor glycaemic control, obesity, and other complications were identified as predictors of VDD in these patients.

T2DM is a multifactorial disease triggered by the interplay of many malfunctioning mechanisms that occur simultaneously. In addition to genetics which predisposes individuals to develop T2DM, many environmental factors such as physical inactivity, abnormal dietary practices and obesity contribute greatly to its development. Moreover, recent evidence suggests the existence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) contribution to the pathogenesis of T2DM.

The analysis included 54 studies with 38,016 participants. The study, conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, identified several factors, including poor blood sugar control and obesity, as predictors of VDD in these patients.

The research, which spanned various databases and included participants from around the world, revealed a substantial level of heterogeneity in VDD prevalence among T2DM patients. Notably, the highest rates were found in African nations (70.9%), while the lowest rates were observed in Middle East countries (57.1%).

Furthermore, the study highlighted a gender association, with female T2DM patients at higher risk of VDD. Other predictors of VDD in these individuals included conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, albuminuria, nephropathy, and retinopathy.

Ref: Taderegew MM, Woldeamanuel GG, Wondie A, et alVitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysisBMJ Open 2023;13:e075607. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075607