The Frequency of Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiencies Among Women of Reproductive Age in Wadi Etba, Southern Region of Libya.

Background Vitamin D (VD) is the sunshine vitamin. Its deficiency is widely spread worldwide and is implicated in various health problems that have serious financial, mental, and physical health burdens. In Libya, it also has a high incidence as many studies have been conducted on this issue, but the exact situation of VD deficiency in the southern region of Libya remains unclear. Aim  The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of VD deficiency and calcium status among females of reproductive age in Wadi Etba (located in the southern region of Libya). Material and methods This study included 622 females aged 20-40 years attending the Rural Hospital and Private Clinics in Wadi Etba for various health issues during the last five years. The study population was further subdivided into two age groups; 20-30 years and 31-40 years. VD and calcium were measured to determine the VD status among the study population. Results In general, 489 females had sub-optimal VD (<30 ng/mL), representing 78.6% of the total subjects. Normal VD levels were represented only by 133 subjects (21.4%). VD deficiency was represented by 354 subjects (57%) of the total subjects. A total of 232 (37%) subjects were VD-deficient females (18.3 ± 5.5 ng/ml), 122 subjects (20%) were considered poor (severe deficient, VD <10 ng/ml) represented with a mean serum VD of 8.2 ± 0.6. Furthermore, deficiency cases dominated the older age group. Regarding calcium (Ca+2) levels, 31% had lower than the normal range, 68% had normal range, and only 1% showed high Ca+2 levels. On the other hand, there was no correlation between serum levels of VD and Ca+2 levels. Conclusion VD deficiency has become a widespread condition in the southern region of Libya. Therefore, we recommended making lifestyle changes, including extending the exposure time to the sunlight radiation, fortifying foods and drinks with VD, and taking supplementary doses of VD to reduce the high incidence of VD deficiency.

Impact of Treatment with Metformin in Comparison with Insulin in Gestational Diabetes in Libyan Population a Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: The aim of this study was the comparison of the glycemic control and maternal outcomes in women affected with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) managed with metformin versus insulin. Materials and Methods: The participants included in this study were 140 women diagnosed with GDM. They were randomized into two groups, women included in the first group were treated with metformin and the women of the second group were managed with insulin. Results: The glycemic control was similar in both the treatment arms and the only noteworthy difference was found in the mean fasting blood glucose, which was significantly higher in the women receiving insulin as compared to the women receiving metformin. There were no substantial differences in the maternal outcome with the use of metformin compared to insulin in women with GDM. Conclusion: The incidence of operative delivery was higher in metformin-treated group, whereas the hospital admission rate was considerably elevated in insulin-treated group.