RISK OF INSUFFICIENT HYDROXYVITAMIN D LEVELS IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN RIVERS STATE NIGERIA

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Global rise in diabetes, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), has led to increased complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
• Hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D deficiency) is highly prevalent in T2DM patients, especially those with vascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and the presence of foot ulcers in T2DM patients.
• To determine if vitamin D status is a risk factor for developing diabetic foot ulcers.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 176 T2DM patients (88 with DFUs, 88 without DFUs).
• Serum vitamin D levels were quantified using standard blood sample analysis.
• Statistical analyses included regression and chi-square tests to assess associations and DFU severity.

Main Results:

• Patients with DFUs had significantly lower mean serum vitamin D levels (19.6 ng/ml) compared to controls (36.2 ng/ml) (p=0.014).
• A high percentage of DFU patients (84.1%) had deficient/insufficient vitamin D, versus 29.5% in the control group.
• DFU patients were 12.6 times more likely to have deficient/insufficient vitamin D. DFU severity correlated with lower vitamin D levels (p=0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Lower serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with the presence and severity of diabetic foot ulcers in T2DM patients.
• Vitamin D deficiency may impair wound healing and immune function, contributing to DFU development.
• Screening for and correcting vitamin D deficiency could be a crucial adjunctive therapy for managing diabetic foot ulcers.