The Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and the Presence of Ulcers, Balance, and Mobility in Patients with Diabetic Foot Disease

Objective The objective of this study was to ascertain the relationships between Vitamin D levels and ulcers, balance, and mobility in patients with diabetic foot disease. Material and Methods This study is a cross-sectional study based on the prospective examination of diabetic foot patients referred from the diabetic foot outpatient clinic of Gülhane Training and Research Hospital to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. The present study was conducted with a total of 120 diabetic patients, including 60 with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU group) and 60 with non-DFU group comprises of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS) and the 10-Meter Walk Test were utilized to assess mobility. The evaluation of balance was conducted using the Tinetti balance test. Results The study found no significant differences in vitamin D levels between the groups; however, calcium levels were found to be significant in DFU group. Patients with DFU group exhibited lower scores on the Tinetti balance test and the Functional Ambulation Scale ( P < .05). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that diabetic foot ulcers are associated with the risk of falling and mobility limitations. Conversely, no substantial discrepancy in vitamin D levels was observed between the two groups, with and without ulcers. This finding indicates that the balance and mobility impairments observed in the DFU group may have developed independently of vitamin D levels.