Association between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Patients Attending Chandka Teaching Hospital Larkana

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which is complicated by occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Vitamin D deficiency contributes to the etiology and progression of type 2 DM and development of micro-vascular complications. This study aimed to compare exercise habits, sunlight exposure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vitamin D levels between controlled and uncontrolled DPN patients.

Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted among patients with controlled and uncontrolled DPN. Data regarding regular exercise habits, daily sunlight exposure, HbA1c levels, and serum vitamin D concentrations were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results: Gender-based differences in regular exercise were observed between the groups. In the controlled DPN group, 84% of regular exercisers were male and 16% were female, whereas in the uncontrolled DPN group, 42% were male and 58% were female. Regarding sunlight exposure, 53.5% of participants reported 1–3 hours of daily exposure, 36.8% reported 4–6 hours, and 9.72% reported 7–10 hours. Uncontrolled DPN patients had significantly higher HbA1c levels (8.72 ± 1.54%) compared with controlled DPN patients (6.81 ± 0.32%). The uncontrolled group also demonstrated greater variability in HbA1c values, indicating poorer glycemic control. Vitamin D levels were notably lower in uncontrolled DPN patients (20.7 ± 2.56 ng/mL) than in controlled DPN patients (27.75 ± 3.12 ng/mL). The median and mode values further supported the consistently higher vitamin D status among controlled DPN patients.

Conclusion: Controlled DPN patients exhibited better glycemic control, higher vitamin D levels, and more stable metabolic profiles compared with uncontrolled DPN patients. Lower vitamin D concentrations and elevated HbA1c levels were associated with uncontrolled DPN, suggesting that adequate vitamin D status and effective glycemic management may play important roles in reducing the severity and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further studies are recommended to explore the therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation and lifestyle interventions in DPN management.