Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence From a Diabetes Clinic in Durgapur, West Bengal

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies have shown that vitamin D is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. However, hypovitaminosis D may represent a largely hidden burden, as many cases remain undiagnosed. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the proportion and predictors of hypovitaminosis D among people with T2DM attending a specialty clinic in Durgapur, West Bengal, and to elucidate the association between hypovitaminosis D and microvascular complications of T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of two months among 89 patients with T2DM attending a diabetic specialty clinic, using a predesigned, pretested structured schedule. Clinical histories were obtained, and anthropometric measurements were performed in accordance with standard operating procedures. Vitamin D levels and HbA1c were measured through blood investigations. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Pearson's chi-square test and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of hypovitaminosis D. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D was present in 71 (79.8%) study participants. The majority of participants were female (62.9%), and most were overweight and/or obese (80.9%). Age greater than 45 years, female gender, higher BMI (overweight or obese), and uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c ≥7) were identified as risk factors for hypovitaminosis D. Age ≥45 years, female gender, and uncontrolled T2DM were found to be significant predictors of hypovitaminosis D. A significant association was observed between hypovitaminosis D and microvascular complications of T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among patients with T2DM was high. Increasing age, female gender, poor glycemic control, and microvascular complications of T2DM were significantly associated with hypovitaminosis D. Further research is needed to improve understanding of the predictors of hypovitaminosis D among patients with T2DM.