Is There an Association Between Diabetic Neuropathy and Low Vitamin D Levels?

Abstract

In the past few years, the effects of vitamin D that go beyond its relationship with bone metabolism have come into the focus of scientific attention. Research concerning diabetes and its complications has become a public health priority. An increasing number of reports link vitamin D deficiency to diabetes; however, so far, there has only been limited and contradictory data available on the correlation between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and vitamin D. Studies of people with type 2 diabetes confirmed the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and neuropathy incidence as well as the severity of the symptoms caused by neuropathy. The latest studies are also suggesting a relationship between the incidence of plantar ulcers and vitamin D deficiency.

Risk Factors and Comorbidities in Diabetic Neuropathy: An Update 2015

“…There is also recent evidence of a significant association between low vitamin D and impaired heart rate variability [85]. At present, there is growing interest in the contribution of vitamin D to the prevention of DSPN [86,87] and peripheral artery disease [88].…”

Reduced vitamin D levels in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy

“…A number of clinical and animal studies have also examined the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of DPN. Although the findings have been inconsistent and occasionally contradictory, they have linked serum vitamin D levels with DPN [6,7]. The mechanisms that underpin the associations between vitamin D levels and DPN are not fully understood [6,7].…”

“…Although the findings have been inconsistent and occasionally contradictory, they have linked serum vitamin D levels with DPN [6,7]. The mechanisms that underpin the associations between vitamin D levels and DPN are not fully understood [6,7]. Pain sensitivity associated with low vitamin D levels may be directly mediated by its action on the dorsal root ganglia, specifically small nerve fibres [8].…”

Low serum omentin levels in the elderly population with Type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy

“…There are very few studies on further protective biomarkers for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy, but there is evidence that suggests there are reduced systemic levels of vitamins D and E in diabetic neuropathy [15,16]. One study reported reduced levels of epidermal growth factor in people with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy [17].…”