Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Recent observational evidence suggests strong links between low vitamin D levels and a range of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia. In addition increased rate of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Objectives: To determine 25-hydroxyvitamine D (25(OH) D) levels as well as its relationship with some cardiovascular risk factors among Egyptian Female patients with type 2 diabetes.

Study design and methodology: This study was conducted on 50 middle age premenopausal type 2 diabetic patients, compared to 50 age matched apparently healthy women. After complete clinical examination including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure measurements, blood samples were withdrawn to determine fasting, and postprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1c, lipid profile, fasting serum insulin and 25(OH) D. HOMA-IR was calculated. Of imaging techniques, Echocardiography and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were done.

Results: Diabetic patients had significantly lower 25(OH) D levels (54%) ‘deficient’ compared to control group (4%).

25(OH) D was negatively correlated with body weight, BMI, WC, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, FPG, HbA1c, fasting serum insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left atrial diameter (LAD).

Conclusion: 25(OH) D levels are significantly lower in middle aged Egyptian type 2 diabetic women compared with controls. Vitamin D concentrations are linked to glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. It is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Low vitamin D is negatively correlated with LVM, LVMI, and LVD.