Relationships between Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and Plasma Glucose and Lipid Levels in Pediatric Patients in a Rural Hospital

Objective: To study the relationships between serum vitamin D levels and plasma glucose or lipid levels in children and adolescents. Material & Methods: We conducted a prospective study on pediatric patients (age 2-18 years) of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, BG Nagara from December 2011 to November 2012 with simultaneous measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fasting plasma glucose and a lipid panel (n=53). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between 25(OH) D and plasma glucose or lipid levels. Plasma glucose and lipid levels were compared in subjects with 25(OH) D concentrations greater or less than 20 ng/mL. Results: 25(OH) D levels were inversely correlated with fasting plasma glucose levels (r=-0.611, P <0.001). Lower 25( OH) D levels were also associated with lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) concentrations (r=0.446, P=0.001). The value of vitamin D levels did not vary significantly with age, sex or body mass index. Children who were vitamin D insufficient [25(OH) D <20 ng/mL] had higher fasting plasma glucose (P=0.037) and lower HDL levels (P=0.044) than children who were vitamin D sufficient [25(OH) D >20 ng/mL]. Conclusions: Low 25(OH) D levels in children and adolescents are associated with higher plasma glucose and lower HDL concentrations and these children are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes and cardio metabolic diseases in later life.