The importance of vitamin D for bone health is known in general population. However, whether the serum vitamin D level is closely associated with bone mineral density and blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes patients is not well established in Taiwan.
This study enrolled type 2 diabetes patients (postmenopausal women) not older than 65 years old who were seen in clinics in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, Taiwan. We had their blood tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], CTX (Serum Beta-C-Terminal Telopeptides), bone alkaline phophatase (Bone-ALP,), and HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels. Every patient underwent DEXA (Bone Densitometry) and T-L spine lateral view examinations. Patients were classified as 3 groups on the basis of their serum Vitamin D levels (Vitamin D: <20 ng/mL & 20-30 ng/mL & >30 ng/mL)
There were 79, 113 and 71 patients for each group in Vitamin D: <20 ng/mL & 20-30 ng/mL & >30 ng/mL, and mean age 60.4, 60.1 and 60.9 years. Higher serum Vitamin D levels were correlated with lower LDL (p = 0.01) and higher HDL levels (p = 0.01). There were less events of microalbuminuria (p = 0.22) and better fasting blood sugar level (p = 0.07) with higher serum Vitamin D levels. However, no statistically difference were noted in BMI, HbA1C, renal function, B-CTx, Bone-ALP, T-score (DEXA) and compression fracture rate in each groups.
Our data shows no correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and blood sugar control & osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes patients.