Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Diabetic Patients in Western Libya

Abstract

Despite the relative abundance of sunny weather, surprisingly, there is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency\xa0is extremely prevalent in females of reproductive age in Middle East countries. There is also increasing interest in\xa0the non-classical roles of vitamin in health and disease including its relation to incidence of gestational diabetes, its\xa0impact on glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus, and its association with some complications of pregnancy like preeclampsia.\xa0The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant diabetic\xa0patients in west Libya and analyse potential links to socioeconomic and cultural factors. This is a cross sectional\xa0observational study. Random plasma was collected form expected mothers attending the Antenatal Diabetes Clinic\xa0at Tripoli’s Main Maternity Hospital. Demographics and socioeconomic and cultural factors were recorded at the\xa0same time. Samples were analysed for vitamin D level and biochemical screening panel. Vitamin D level was\xa0obtained from 160 patients (mean age 35 years). Over all 95 % of the study population had vitamin D levels below\xa0normal (defined as vitamin D level of 30 ng/ml, only 1.3%, 2 patients). All patients were taking daily vitamin D Supplements at a dose of 400\xa0IU as per hospital policy. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in pregnant diabetic patients in Libya. There\xa0is no clear association with socioeconomic risk factors like employment, type of accommodation or geographic\xa0distribution. However, most of the study population had life style characterized by minimal exposure to direct sun light. Routine supplementation of Vitamin D in doses of 400 IU/day does not appear to ameliorate the severity of\xa0vitamin D deficiency in this group.