Diabetic Foot Complications and Vitamin D Deficiency

Diabetic foot complications pose a significant risk to those with diabetes mellitus.

Researchers have found in a new study that there was a potential link of diabetic foot with vitamin D deficiency. The outcomes of the study have been published in The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds.

The study, which focused on patients with type 2 diabetes, aimed to determine the prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency and its association with diabetic foot conditions. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into two groups: those with diabetic foot complications (n=95) and those without (n=388). Various clinical data, including measurements of weight, height, and waist circumference, along with biochemical tests obtained from electronic medical records, was collected.

The study uncovered that 44.6% of participants had 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency. Strikingly, this deficiency was more prevalent in the diabetic foot group, affecting 57.9% of patients in this category, compared to 41.0% in the non-diabetic foot group. Moreover, the mean serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels significantly differed between the two groups, with the diabetic foot group displaying lower levels (19.8 ± 9.5) compared to the non-diabetic foot group (24.1 ± 11.8; P = .011).

The research also found a significant positive correlation between serum 25-OH-vitamin D and B12 levels (r = 0.410, P < .01). Additionally, logistic regression analysis revealed that both 25-OH-vitamin D levels (P = .043, OR = 1.21) and body mass index (P = .009, OR = 1.47) were independently associated with diabetic foot conditions. These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency and higher body mass index may increase the risk of diabetic foot complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

This study underscores the prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency, particularly among diabetic foot patients. While it suggests a potential association between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic foot complications, further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of 25-OH-vitamin D in the development of these conditions. Understanding this link could pave the way for improved preventive measures and treatment strategies for diabetic foot complications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Reference

Atoum, M. F., Al Shdaifat, A., Al Hourani, H., Al Hyari, M., Zahran, R., & Abu Shaikh, H. (2023). Relationship of Serum Vitamin D Levels With Diabetic Foot in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study. In The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347346231205641