Hypovitaminosis D in Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Associated Factors in Rivers State, Nigeria
Batubo UD
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Rivers State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Korubo IF *
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Rivers State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Gomba EV
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Rivers State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Wariboko CM
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Rivers State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Unachukwu CN
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hypovitaminosis D is considerably prevalent among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with vascular complications and delayed wound healing. This study aims to assess the pattern of this of hydroxyvitamin D levels and associated factors among diabetics and diabetics with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in Southern Nigeria.
Methods: The study population comprised 176 individuals (88 individuals diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and 88 individuals diagnosed with T2DM but not having DFU. Hydroxyvitamin D levels were assessed using blood samples according to standard ELISA methods.
Results: There was a total of 176 participants. About 76 (43.2%) of all study participants (persons with and without DFU) had sufficient Vitamin D levels and 69 (39.2%) of all study participants had deficient Vitamin D levels, and 31 (17.6%) had insufficient vitamin D levels. Individuals aged 50 years and above exhibited a notably higher likelihood of the condition compared to their younger counterparts, with a crude Odds Ratio (O.R.) of 7.7 (95% C.I: 3.6 – 16.4). After adjusting for other factors, this association remained significant, although the strength of the association decreased, with an adjusted O.R. of 2.2 (95% C.I: 1.1 – 4.6), suggesting age as a significant predictor.
Conclusion: The study reveals strong links between demographic/biochemical factors and insufficient hydroxyvitamin D levels. People aged more than 50 years are more prone to deficiency, even when other factors are considered. While abnormal waist-to-hip ratios initially reduce risk, this effect weakens with adjustment, suggesting other influences. Abnormal albumin levels remain a significant predictor, emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions in high-risk groups.
Keywords: Hydroxyvitamin D, diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot ulcer, risk factors