Vitamin D supplements and effect on glycemic control and lipid profile in individuals living with diabetes: a retrospective study

A. Alqadi, E. Almodyan, M.N. Alanazi, S.S. Alghamdi, M.H. Ahmed, S. Badi, A.S. Alghamdi

Head of Acute Care Pharmacy, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. mohamed.hassan-ahmed@mkuh.nhs.uk

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• Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global concern with a high prevalence among the Saudi population. Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with serious medical complications and an increase in mortality and morbidity. Vitamin D deficiency may have the potential to decrease insulin sensitivity and alter lipid metabolism. This study aimed to assess the impact of vitamin D supplements on glycemic control and lipid profile among individuals living with diabetes in Saudia Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 254 individuals with diabetes. The medical records were searched for age, gender, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), Vitamin D and lipid profiles. The population records were extracted in two intervals: before taking vitamin D supplements and three months after receiving supplements. Paired t-test and confidence intervals were used to compare HbA1c, FBG, vitamin D, and other extracted variables between intervals. Vitamin D levels were compared between genders in each interval.

RESULTS: The supplementation of vitamin D leads to improvement in vitamin D from a mean of 45.4 to 65 (normal reference range 50-150). Supplementation of vitamin D showed significant improvement in HbA1c, FBG, all parameters of lipid profile, renal and liver function and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) when t-test was used and confidence interval calculated.

CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D plays a potential role in insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Therefore, maintaining optimal level of vitamin D through its supplements or sun exposure might help to improve heath and decrease complications especially in individuals with diabetes.

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