Research Article
Vitamin D Levels in Subjects With and Without Type 1 Diabetes Residing in a Solar Rich Environment
Lindsey Bierschenk, John Alexander, Clive Wasserfall, Michael Haller, Desmond Schatz, Mark Atkinson
Published:
November 01, 2009
DOI:
10.2337/dc09-1089
License:
© 2009 by the American Diabetes Association.Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ for details.
Abstract
OBJECTIVEPrevious studies, largely in northern Europe, have suggested an association between type 1 diabetes and reduced serum 25-hydroxy(OH) vitamin D levels, a concept we tested in individuals residing in a solar-rich region (Florida).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSSerum samples from 415 individuals residing in Florida were cross-sectionally analyzed: 153 control subjects, 46 new-onset type 1 diabetic patients, 110 established type 1 diabetic patients (samples ≥5 months from diagnosis), and 106 first-degree relatives of the diabetic patients.RESULTSIn this study, 25-OH vitamin D levels (median, range, interquartile range [IQR]) were similar among control subjects (20.1, below detection [bd]–163.5, 13.0–37.4 ng/ml), new-onset type 1 diabetic patients (21.2, bd–48.6, 12.2–30.2 ng/ml), established type 1 diabetic patients (23.2, bd–263.8, 13.8–33.9 ng/ml), and first-degree relatives (22.2, bd–59.9, 12.7–33.1 ng/ml) (P = 0.87). Mean 25-OH vitamin D levels were less than the optimal World Health Organization level of 30 ng/ml in all study groups.CONCLUSIONSReduced serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were not specifically associated with type 1 diabetes. The uniform suboptimal 225-OH vitamin D levels, despite residence in a zone with abundant sunshine, support additional dietary vitamin D fortification practices.