ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D LEVELS AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL AMONG ADULT DIABETIC PATIENTS IN AHSA, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Middle East region including Saudi Arabia. Emerging evidence links vitamin D status to glycemic control in diabetes. However, findings on the effects of vitamin D correction on HbA1c levels have been inconsistent.

Objective: To assess the association between vitamin D correction and changes in HbA1c levels among adult diabetic patients in Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:The present study used quasi-experimental design, and evaluated 344 patients with vit D deficiency. Patients received vitamin D supplementation, dietary counseling, or sun exposure advice for 6 months. HbA1c was measured at baseline and end-line. Change in HbA1c was compared between intervention groups using statistical analyses.

Results:Improvements in vitamin D levels significantly reduced HbA1c, indicating vitamin Ds role in insulin regulation(r = -0.452, p < 0.001). However, direct vitamin D correction showed no statistically significant HbA1c changes (t: 0.898, p 0.37, CI (-0.071 -0.19)), suggesting individualized approaches may be needed. Multiple regression identified significant effects of sickle cell disease(t: 2.615, p =0.005) on glycemic control independent of vitamin D.

Conclusions: While vitamin D may modulate insulin and glycemic control, diabetes management requires comprehensive strategies accounting for individual health profiles. Future research should explore personalized vitamin D interventions in diverse patient subgroups.