ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE AMONG ADULTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent globally and has been implicated in various metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance. India, despite abundant sunlight, reports widespread vitamin D deficiency along with a rising burden of insulin resistance and related conditions. Understanding the association between these factors is essential for developing preventive strategies.

Objectives:To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance among adults attending a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2019 among 128 adults aged 18–60 years. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin levels. Insulin resistance was calculated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 64.1% of participants. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR values compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels (p<0.05). The prevalence of insulin resistance was significantly higher among vitamin D deficient participants (63.4%) compared to those with sufficient levels (34.8%) (p=0.002). A moderate inverse correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and HOMA-IR (r = -0.42, p<0.001).

Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with insulin resistance in this population. Screening and correction of vitamin D deficiency may represent a potential strategy for improving metabolic health. Further studies are needed to establish causality and evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance.