Vitamin D and Metabolic Health: A Study of Lipid and Glucose Profiles in Benghazi, Libya

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and it acts in the body like a steroid hormone with a multitude of functions. Vitamin D deficiency is common in Benghazi, Libya especially among females and in the older age groups. Recent reports have found that hypo 25-(OH) D is associated with many diseases. The relationship between vitamin D status and dyslipidemia and diabetes is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin D level in all lipid parameters, fasting blood glucose and cumulative blood glucose levels in Libyan adult sample. Clinical investigatory data of (110) random subjects was obtained from Alrazi laboratory in Benghazi, Libya over a four-month period. The mean concentration of TC, VLDL-C, TG levels, FBG and (Hb1AC) levels were higher in (25(OH)D) deficient group, when compared to subjects with sufficient 25(OH)D group. While the mean concentration of HDL-C and LDL-C were lower in deficient group. A higher percentage of subjects who had high TG, VLDL, FBG and low HDL in 25(OH)D deficient group in compare to sufficient group. While, a lesser percentage of subjects who had high TC and LDL in 25(OH)D deficient group in compare to sufficient group. However, there are a statistically significant correlation of 25(OH)D deficiency and overall elevation of all lipid parameters serum levels, concurrent elevation of VLDL and triglycerides and concurrent elevation of VLDL and FBG. Our results may indicate that there is a negative correlation between vitamin D deficiency and high TG, VLDL, FBG and positive correlation with TC and LDL and HDL.