Hypovitaminosis D: metabolic response differences in metabolic syndrome and diabetes

This study is concerned with hypovitaminosis D associated with insulin and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction as supported by Chiu KC, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79(5):–5. In this study we are comparing subjects from a highly health motivated, self‐selected cohort divided into four pathophysiologic categories: Metabolic Syndrome (n=67), Type 1 (n=16) and Type 2 (n=155) diabetics and Controls (n=123). These subjects (ages 16–88) were beginning a dietary life‐style change program. Vitamin D levels, were assayed in this study during 2004 by Quest Diagnostics with the Nichols ADVANTAGE 25‐OH Vitamin D (25(OH)D) method. The 25(OH)D values (ng/mL), gave us a Control mean ± the standard error of 29.76 ± 1.19, compared to Metabolic Syndrome 23.87 ± 1.36 (p+0.007), and Type 1 Diabetics 29.62 ± 2.68, and Type 2 Diabetics 22.99 ± 0.89 (p<0.0005). The 25(OH)D values for these subjects were compared using ANOVA with Bonferroni adjusted probabilities for multiple comparisons. The apparent clustering of Controls and Type 1 Diabetics versus Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetics for 25(OH)D levels was mirrored by hsCRP, systolic blood pressure, HDLc, BMI and triglycerides. As expected, C‐peptide levels were sharply lower in Type 1 Diabetics, while progressively higher in controls through Metabolic Syndrome subjects, with the highest values occurring in Type 2 Diabetics. On average, total cholesterol was not significantly different between groups. Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetic subjects showed hypovitaminosis D compared to the Controls. Supported by the LSCA.