Decreased serum vitamin D levels are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a rural area of Turkey

Abstract

Data examining the association between vitamin D and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are limited. This study investigated the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in diabetics in the Yozgat region of Turkey, and assessed their relationships with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 69 diabetic patients and 49 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled in this clinical prospective study. All the diabetics underwent conventional sensory and motor nerve conduction studies, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy was confirmed or ruled out according to the electromyography findings and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions. Serum vitamin D, VDBP and VDR levels were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The serum vitamin D levels (p = 0.001) were significantly lower, while the VDR levels (p = 0.003) were higher, in diabetics than in controls. The serum VDBP levels were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in diabetics with diabetic peripheral neuropathy than in those without (p = 0.032), whereas the serum VDBP and VDR levels were similar in these two groups (p > 0.05). The lower serum vitamin D levels in diabetics, especially in those with peripheral neuropathy, may suggest a neurotrophic effect of vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes

“…More importantly, this is the first study to demonstrate the screening value of low 25(OH)D level for DPN in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, as far as we know. In fact, this close relationship between vitamin D and DPN has been reported by other epidemiological studies of Caucasoid or Turkey population . Low blood 25OH‐D concentration was also associated with an increased risk of macrovascular and microvascular disease events in type 2 diabetes in a 5‐year observational study .…”

“…It was revealed that the serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower, while the vitamin D receiver levels were higher, in diabetic patients than age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Besides, the serum vitamin D levels were reported significantly lower in patients with DPN than in those without . Latest study also indicated that vitamin D had an inverse association with both DPN presence and severity, as each 1 ng/mL increase in serum 25(OH)‐D was correlated with 2.2 and 3.4% decrease in the presence and severity of NCV impairment, respectively.…”

Diagnostic Significance of Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

“…Moreover, about one-quarter of T1DM patients developed DPN with age, duration of diabetes, and poor glycemic control as leading risk factors [7]. Recently, accumulating studies have disclosed that some serum biomarkers, including uric acid and vitamin D, are associated with progression of DPN, the initial manifestation of T2DM [8,9]. Therefore, we hypothesized that identifying crucial cytokines in DPN development and their association with DPN is beneficial to the early diagnosis and personalized treatment for DPN patients.…”

Low serum vitamin D levels are not associated with increased postoperative pain and opioid requirements: a historical cohort study

“…28,29 Decreased serum vitamin D levels were also associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is an important reason for chronic pain. 30 A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of vitamin D deficiency in chronic pain syndromes. The most important mechanism related to pain is the Fig.…”