Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is thought to impair insulin action and glucose metabolism; however, previous studies have not examined ethnic differences. We investigated a cohort of predominantly white Greek Caucasian and Bangladeshi immigrant patients with diabetes mellitus in order assess the association between diabetes mellitus and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)VitD].
Materials and methods: A total of 165 patients from Bangladesh and 118 patients from Greece with diabetes were assessed for diabetes and 25(OH)VitD status.
Results: The 25(OH)VitD levels of Bangladeshi patients were significantly lower compared to Greek patients (12.42±5.86 ng/ml vs. 23.06±12.36 ng/ml, p<0.001). Only 1.2% of Bangladeshi patients vs. 24.57% of Greek patients had sufficient levels of 25(OH)VitD (≥30 ng/ml)
Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is very high amongst patients with diabetes but immigrants are at greater risk. Vitamin D supplementation could be valuable in the prevention or treatment of diabetes.
Keywords: Bangladeshi; Greek; Vitamin D; diabetes; ethnic minority.
Copyright © 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.