Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are a serious health challenge. Obesity and metabolic disorders are associated with cardiovascular risk. Several studies have suggested that low vitamin D status contributes to insulin resistance. This study aimed to explore vitamin D and its relationship with cardio-metabolic risk factors in those with early T2DM.

Methods: Early T2DM subjects (N=139) with early T2DM, ≤ 3 years, were recruited into the study. Assessments included are anthropometry, waist circumference, neck circumference, blood pressure measurements and samples collection. Diastolic blood pressure was measured. 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured. Linear regression adjusted for age was used to examine the relationship between vitamin D and cardio-metabolic parameters.

Results: 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were significantly negatively associated with diastolic blood pressure (β−0.1873; P=0.006), mean arterial pressure (β−0.145; P=0.02), and insulin levels (β−0.117; P=0.04) after adjusting for age. There were no significant associations between 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and waist circumference, fat mass, lipids, HbA1c, and heart rate).

Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were related to mean arterial pressure, insulin levels and diastolic blood pressure. The nature of the relationship between vitamin D metabolites and identified cardio-metabolic factors remains to be determined.