A Study on the Effect of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Serum Vitamin A Level in Patients from Rawalpindi and Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition resulting from abnormalities in insulin signaling, secretion, or both, leading to symptoms such as high blood sugar and disruptions in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin A could potentially influence the secretion of insulin. Insufficient levels of vitamin A over an extended period may result in decreased hormone levels in the pancreas. The presence of vitamin A affects cell development, including pancreatic cells, which is advantageous for insulin synthesis. Research on animals has shown that the deficiency of vitamin A may lead to a reduction in pancreatic β-cell mass and decreased insulin secretion, ultimately causing hyperglycemia as a result of triggered β-cell apoptosis. The current study was carried out to estimate the vitamin A level in diabetic patients from Rawalpindi and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot). One hundred (N=100) diabetic patients and 100 age-matched healthy subjects were selected. Inclusion criteria for the patients were: consent to participate in the study, no physiological abnormality, and, for female patients, not currently pregnant or lactating. Serum samples were collected from the blood of all the selected subjects. Blood glucose level and HbA1c were collected from patients' reports. Vitamin A level was estimated through the ELISA technique. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software using independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. The mean value of vitamin level in diabetic patients was (263.07 ± 19.67), and in control subjects it was (342.05 ± 38.75). Results showed significantly reduced vitamin A levels in the diabetic patients compared to the control group (p < 0.036). There was a significant difference in the vitamin A levels of diabetic patients based on location (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.0001), diabetes duration (p < 0.0001), HbA1c (p < 0.0001), and vegetarian food consumption (p < 0.0001). Vitamin A levels were positively correlated with location, occupation, sunlight exposure, symptoms of diabetes, vitamin A deficiency signs, taking any medication for diabetes, taking any vitamins, exercise, vegetable consumption, and dairy consumption. Vitamin A was lower in the residents of Rawalpindi (251.65 ± 38.64) than in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (272.21 ± 21.23). The study concluded that vitamin A levels are significantly reduced in patients with diabetes mellitus.