Assessment of Vitamin D status in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in pediatric age group

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Type-1-Diabetes Mellitus (TIDM) results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells leading to insulin deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may have a role in the pathogenesis and development of T1DM by regulating immune mechanism.

The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the connection between fasting blood sugar (FBS), post prandial blood sugar (PPBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) and Vitamin D levels in children with TlDM. This study included 50 healthy controls and 50 previously diagnosed TlDM cases of both sex in the age group of 6-l5 years. 25 hydroxy Vitamin D3 (25-OH Vit D3) level was estimated by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA), FBS, PPBS by GOD-POD method, HbAlc levels by Ion Exchange Resin method. Results: Results showed a decreased 25-OH Vit D3 and an increased FBS, PPBS and HbAlc levels which are highly significant (p<0.00l) in TlDM cases than healthy controls. A highly significant negative correlation was observed between FBS, PPBS, HbAlc and 25-OH Vit D3 (P<0.00l) in TlDM cases.

VDD has consistently been shown to be prevalent in children with TIDM, which plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Vitamin D, an immunomodulator is an important factor in glycemic control with subsequent prevention of T1DM and its further complications.