The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes

Epidemiological data predicts a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes and of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of the study it to assess the role of vitamin D in diabetic retinopathy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over the period of January 2021 to April 2021. Non-probability (Convenience) sampling was done by using a pre-prepared questionnaire. Two groups of patients were selected: 50 and 45 patients with and without retinopathy, respectively, as assessed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Subjects with advanced late diabetic complications were excluded to avoid confounding biases. Vitamin D concentrations and vitamin D deficiency was associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Data was presented in the form of percentages, frequency and tables using the SPSS 26.0 for MacBook Pro. Patients with more advanced stages of retinopathy (grades 2–4) had lower concentrations of vitamin D and were more frequently vitamin D deficient as compared with patients not carrying this eye complication. To conclude, this study confirms that a positive correlation or association exists between vitamin D levels and the presence/severity of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.