Association between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Faeze  Poshtchaman; Zahra  Poshtchaman; Alemeh  Dehnabi; Rahil  Mahmoudi; Batul  Birjandi

doi:10.18502/jimc.v8i2.17706

Faeze Poshtchaman Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
Zahra Poshtchaman Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
Alemeh Dehnabi Phd Student, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Rahil Mahmoudi Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Batul Birjandi Clinical Research Development Unit, Vasei Research Development Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v8i2.17706

Keywords: Creatinine, Diabetic retinopathy, Retinal diseases, Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Vitamins

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a common vascular complication of diabetes. Vitamin D has been found to play a role in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and proliferative and non-proliferative retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional analytical study. This study was conducted at Hafiz Sabzevar Diabetes Clinic and involved diabetic patients. A total of 80 diabetic patients were categorized into three groups: patients without retinopathy, patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and patients with non-proliferative retinopathy. Patients’ information was collected through a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS 28, with descriptive statistical tests, Chi-square, ANOVA, and Bonferroni’s post hoc test.

Results: The results of the study showed a significant difference in vitamin D and creatinine levels among the three groups (p<0.001). The post hoc test was used to accurately determine this significant difference. The data revealed that both retinopathy groups had lower levels of vitamin D and higher creatinine compared to the non-retinopathy group, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of HDL (p=0.23), LDL (p=0.52), and total cholesterol (p=0.95).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, both proliferative and non-proliferative. Therefore, it is recommended to consider taking vitamin D supplements in diabetic patients to maintain normal vitamin D levels, since it has positive effects in preventing the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy