Association of Vit D Levels and Hand Grip Strength among Patients with Diabetes: A Cross Sectional Study Design

A BSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium assimilation, which is essential for the maintenance of robust and optimal bone health. The results of studies on the correlation between vitamin D and handgrip strength are varied. We conducted a study to investigate the correlation between vitamin D levels and handgrip strength in diabetic patients. Methods: A cohort of 100 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were subjected to an assessment of anthropometric measurements and vitamin D levels. Additionally, their HbA1c levels, lipid profile, uric acid levels, presence of comorbidities, and history of alcohol consumption and smoking were also examined. Handgrip strength was measured using a grip strength meter. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using vitamin D Elisa kit. All data were statistically analyzed. Results: The study included 100 patients of diabetes. The mean age and BMI of the study group were 57.66 ± 12.22 years and 28.33 ± 3.41kg/m 2 , respectively. Majority of the study population was men (66%). The mean vitamin D level and hand grip strength were 20.24 ± 4.06 ng/ml and 14.56 ± 4.49 kgs, respectively. A strong and negative association was observed between hand grip strength and variables such as age (r = -0.48, P < 0.001), duration of diabetes mellitus (r = -0.44, P < 0.001), HbA1C levels (r = -0.23, P < 0.05), and uric acid levels (r = -0.2, P < 0.05). Almost zero correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and hand grip strength (r = - 0.025, P > 0.05). There was no or inadequate correlation between vitamin D and lipid profile. Conclusion: The findings suggest that other factors such as age, duration of disease, uric acid levels, and HbA1C levels may play a more influential role in determining handgrip strength than lipid profile and vitamin D levels alone. Further research is needed to explore these potential factors and their impact on these health indicators.