Severe hypovitaminosis D is widespread and more common in non-diabetics than diabetics in Saudi adults

ABSTRACT

To compare the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in subjects, with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], and determine its association to various risk factors. Three hundred and forty-one [177 non-diabetic, and 164 T2DM] Saudi adults were included in this cross-sectional study conducted at the Biomarkers Research Program [BRP] of King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March to August 2009. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were obtained. Fasting glucose [FG] and lipid profiles were determined. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25[OH]D] and parathyroid hormone [PTH] were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Severe hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25[OH]D with levels <12.5 nmol/l. Age was the most significant predictor of 25[OH]D in both groups, explaining 25% [p=0.0005] and 16% of variances [p=0.0005]. Waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure and body mass index were significant predictors of 25[OH]D among non-diabetics after age adjustment, explaining 21% of variance perceived [p=0.039]. Serum PTH levels were higher in non-diabetic men and women. Severe hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in both non-diabetic and diabetic Saudis, but was more common in the young and middle-aged non-diabetics. The study further underscores the need for vitamin D fortification of the Saudi diet, and the promotion of vitamin D supplementation in both groups