Does vitamin D deficiency lead to insulin resistance in obese individuals?

Abstract

Aim: Obesity has become an important health problem in developed and developing countries. Nowadays, vitamin D deficiency is very common in obese individuals. Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on insulin resistance in obese subjects. Materials and methods: A total of 170 individuals, (146 females and 24 males) were included in the study. According to Body Mass Index (BMI), patients were divided into 3 groups. Serum vitamin D was compared with insulin resistance and HbA1c. Results: It was shown that serum vitamin D levels were statistically decreased according to BMI. There was also a statistically significant increase in Hba1c level due to increased BMI. There is also a positive correlation between BMI and insulin resistance. Positive correlation was found between HbA1C and insulin resistance. There was no statistically significant difference between the levels of insulin resistance among the groups of BMI. Conclusions: In conclusion, Vitamin D deficiency can be seen in obese individuals. Low serum vitamin D levels may accelerate the development of diabetes in obese individuals. Serum vitamin D levels should be measured in obese individuals and necessary treatment should be performed. This may be helpful in obesity treatment and prevention of diabetes development.