Endocrine Abstracts

Vitamin D deficiency has a leading role in endothelial functions and pathogenesis of type two diabetes and is supposed to take part in atherosclerosis. In this study we aimed to investigate the correlation between markers of atherosclerosis and inflammation with 25(OH)D levels in patients with type two diabetes. Forty patients with type two diabetes and macrovascular complication and 40 patients without macrovascular complication were included in the study. Thirty healthy subjects served as the control group. As markers of inflammation hsCRP, homocysteine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen and adiponectin levels were studied. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) that is supposed to be a marker of atherosclerotic process was measured and 25(OH)D levels were studied in all subjects.

Levels of hsCRP, parathormone and body mass indices(BMI) were significantly higher in patients with 25(OH)D levels below 30 nmol/l than patients with 25(OH)D levels above 30 nmol/l. HsCRP, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and homocysteine levels showed a negative correlation with 25(OH)D levels in all cases. Also, there was a negative correlation between waist circumference, BMI and 25(OH)D levels among diabetics. No significant difference between patients with 25(OH)D levels above or below 30 nmol/l was found for IMT, however IMT was significantly higher in diabetic patients. No significant difference was observed between patients with 25(OH)D levels above or below 30 nmol/l for levels of adiponectin, but there was a positive correlation betweeen adiponectin and 25(OH)D levels. There was no significant difference between diabetics with and without macrovascular complications regarding 25(OH)D levels

Levels of 25(OH)D is closely associated with markers of inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency also correlates with a predisposition to obesity and inflammation.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.