Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Mar 2022)
Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract
Background and Objective: Epidemiological data show a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of diabetes mellitus. Many studies have reported hypovitaminosis D in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and it is possible that the deficiency of this vitamin plays a role in the pathogenesis of this diabetic complication. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the serum levels of vitamin D in patients with diabetic retinopathy and its relationship with the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Methods: In this review article, we searched Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases using the keywords vitamin D deficiency, serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D supplement, diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy. No time limit was considered for the search. Articles written in English were included in this study. Original and complete articles in English about vitamin D deficiency, diabetes and retinopathy were reviewed. Review articles and animal studies were excluded from this study. The data obtained from these findings were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers. Findings: In this study, out of 52 studies found, 15 articles were reviewed according to the inclusion criteria. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency is very common in people with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy and there is a strong inverse relationship between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, the use of its supplements is also necessary to prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the reduction of vitamin D serum levels is very common in patients with diabetic retinopathy and can be one of the risk factors for developing retinopathy. Its plasma level can have a high diagnostic value in order to prevent and control the onset of this complication.
