Vitamin D status and health-related quality of life in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Aims
To test whether vitamin D status was associated with health-related quality of life in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
Demographic and clinical characteristics, including health-related quality of life scores, were obtained from 241 adult patients with Type 2 diabetes managed with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between vitamin D status and health-related quality of life, with adjustment for confounders.
Results
The mean age of the patients included in the study was 67 ± 8 years. Their mean HbA1c concentration was 52 ± 8 mmol/mol (6.9 ± 0.7%) and their mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 59 ± 23 nmol/l. Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/l) was present in 38% of patients. No significant associations were found between vitamin D status and health-related quality of life.
Conclusions
Vitamin D status was not associated with health-related quality of life in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This could be explained by the relatively high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, good glycaemic control and relatively good health-related quality of life of all patients. A prospective study among patients with vitamin D deficiency and poor glycaemic control would be interesting for future research.