Serum Vitamin D Levels In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Missing Link

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes, a significant global health care problem is the fifth leading cause of death and also a major cause of significant morbidity. Although our current methods of treating type 2 DM and its complications are improving, its prevention is preferable. Epidemiological data suggest 9 of 10 cases of type 2 DM are attributed to habits and form of modifiable behavior. Vitamin D has been traditionally known as anti ricketic factor or sunshine vitamin. It is unique because it is a vitamin synthesized by the body and functions as a hormone. Besides its pivotal role in calcium homeostasis and bone mineral metabolism, vitamin D endocrine system is now recognized to sub-serve a wide range of biological functions in cell differentiation, inhibition of cell growth and immunomodulation. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum level (measure of vitamin D status) of less than 20 ng/mL is vitamin D deficiency and 21 to 29 ng/mL is insufficiency. lt is currently recognized that. Systemic inflammation seen in type 2 DM has been linked primarily to insulin resistance, but elevated cytokines may also play a role in beta-cell dysfunction by triggering |3-cell apoptosis. Vitamin D may improve insulin sensitivity and promote beta-cell survival by directly modulating the generation and effects of cytokines. This raises important questions of association between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes hence the purpose of this current study.