Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: One of the main causes of avoidable blindness is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is a serious worldwide health hazard associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum vitamin D levels in Type 2 diabetes patients with and without diabetic retinopathy will be assessed in this study, and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of DR will be examined. Methods: 200 participants were split into two groups for this analytical cross-sectional study: Group A consisted of diabetic patients with DR, and Group B consisted of diabetic patients without DR. In accordance with ETDRS norms, participants received thorough ocular examinations and DR grading. Other biochemical and clinical indicators were examined in addition to serum vitamin D levels. To compare groups and find correlations, statistical analysis was done. Results: Group A exhibited significantly lower serum vitamin D levels (17.03 ± 5.11 ng/mL) compared to Group B (27.72 ± 3.81 ng/mL, p < 0.001). An inverse relationship was observed between serum vitamin D levels and DR severity, with the lowest levels seen in patients with proliferative DR (15.33 ± 4.4 ng/mL). Additionally, patients with longer diabetes duration, poorer glycemic control, and higher BMI were more likely to develop DR. Conclusion: In Type 2 diabetes, the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy are linked to lower serum vitamin D levels. The degree of DR may be predicted by serum vitamin D levels. The possible impact of vitamin D supplementation in halting or slowing the progression of DR requires more research.