Evaluation of 25(OH) Vitamin D-3 with Reference to Magnesium Status and Insulin Resistance in T2DM

Introduction: Calcium is a recognized second messenger implicated in insulin secretion. V'rtamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, Calcitnol) plays a role in calcium metabolism. This explains the indirect role of Vitamin D in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Hence, low Vitamin D levels are implicated in decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. In this study, we tried to find out the probable association of Vitamin D-3, calcium and magnesium with reference to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases. It is well documented that measurement of circulating 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol {25 (OH) Vitamin D-3} is a marker of total Vitamin D status. Methodology: We measured 25(OH) Vitamin D-3 levels in thirty T2DM subjects with thirty age and sex matched healthy controls. We estimated Vitamin D status, calcium and magnesium levels in the light of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Twenty five (OH) Vitamin-D-3 level was significantly low among T2DM cases (12.29+ 2.32ng/ml) in comparison to healthy controls (19.55+ 0.50ng/ml) (p< 0.01). The levels of calcium and magnesium were also significantly low in T2DM cases as compared to healthy controls (p< 0.01). There was significant negative correlation between Vitamin D status and insulin levels, and insulin resistance (p<0.01). Implication: A significant negative correlation between Vitamin D status and insulin levels suggest that the supplementation of Vitamin D has the potential to increase insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.