Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and diabetes-related factors in Korean adults without diabetes: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012.

Abstract

Vitamin D is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) occurrence by affecting insulin secretion and resistance. However, variations exist due to differences in vitamin D sensitivity among individuals. We investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status and various indices of DM in a Korean population without DM. Large-scaled population-based analysis was conducted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2010-2012) were analyzed. Adult survey participants >20years without diabetes (n=15,169) were included. The mean 25(OH)D levels were lower in females, subjects aged 20-39 years, and subjects with body mass index <21.1kg/m² and less physical activity (p<0.001). Further, the mean 25(OH)D levels tended to be lower in subjects with FBG >126mg/dL. After adjustment for potential confounders, 25(OH)D was not correlated with FBG (p=0.925) or HbA1c (p=0.336); however, fasting insulin (β=-0.072, p=0.011) and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (β=-0.007, p<0.001) showed significant negative correlations with 25(OH)D levels. Although 25(OH)D status was not significantly associated with FBG or HbA1c, low 25(OH)D levels were associated with compensative insulin increase and ongoing increase in insulin resistance. Thus, vitamin D deficiency is assumed to influence DM occurrence.