Risk of Insufficient Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Rivers State Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Vascular Health

Background:

• Rising global diabetes rates, particularly in developing countries, increase complications like diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
• Hypovitaminosis D (low vitamin D) is common in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic vascular issues.
• This study investigates the relationship between vitamin D status and the occurrence of foot ulcers in T2DM individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between serum vitamin D levels and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers in T2DM patients.
• To compare vitamin D levels in T2DM patients with and without foot ulcers.
• To explore the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of diabetic foot ulcers.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 88 T2DM patients with DFUs and 88 T2DM patients without DFUs.
• Serum vitamin D levels were measured using standard blood assays.
• Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression to assess associations.

Main Results:

• DFU patients exhibited significantly lower mean serum vitamin D levels (19.6 ng/ml) compared to controls (36.2 ng/ml) (p=0.014).
• 84.1% of patients with foot ulcers had deficient/insufficient vitamin D, versus 29.5% without ulcers.
• 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:

• Low serum vitamin D levels are strongly associated with diabetic foot ulcers in T2DM patients.
• Screening for and correcting vitamin D deficiency could be a beneficial strategy in managing DFUs.
• Further research into vitamin D supplementation for DFU prevention and treatment is warranted.