VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been proposed as a contributing factor to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its role in newly diagnosed patients remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the association between serum vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi from 10th June 2024 to 20th December 2024. A total of 175 patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were enrolled in the study. Detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded for each participant, including age, gender, duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and relevant lifestyle information such as physical activity and sun exposure. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standardized protocols. Results: The mean vitamin D level in the cohort was 21.6 ± 7.4 ng/mL, with 88.7%, 90.4%, and 90.5% of patients in the deficient, insufficient, and sufficient groups respectively classified as insulin resistant. Mean HOMA-IR values were 4.96 ± 2.09 (deficient), 4.86 ± 1.98 (insufficient), and 4.81 ± 1.85 (sufficient). No statistically significant difference in insulin resistance was found between the groups (p > 0.05). Pearson correlation between vitamin D and HOMA-IR was weak and non-significant (r = –0.02, p = 0.79). Conclusion: It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients; however, no significant association was observed between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance.