Kathmandu, April 20

People suffering from vitamin D deficiency are at greater risk of suffering from diabetes, according to a study.

As per a research conducted by TUTH, among 100 diabetic patients, 85 per cent of them were found to be suffering from vitamin D deficiency. The deficiency is also seen in pregnant women and people suffering from psychiatric problems, as per Dr Binod Kumar Yadav, chief of Department of Biochemistry at Institute of Medicine, TUTH.

“Fifty per cent people of the patients visiting the hospital for general health check-up are found to be suffering from the deficiency,” said the doctor. Genetic factors too play an important role in exacerbating vitamin D deficiency. “Though we are exposed to the sun we are unsure of how our skin is exposed to the sunlight. There have been no studies about the genes and changes that have occurred,” added the doctor. “Vitamin D deficiency can also be a result of nutrition deficiency. However, no research on patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency has been conducted so far,” added Dr Yadav.

Vitamin D is also deficient in kidney and liver patients. “Kidneys and liver help in absorbing vitamin D. But when there are problems in kidneys and liver, vitamin D deficiency increases. When digestive tract cannot adequately absorb vitamin D, chances of vitamin D deficiency increase. Patients suffering from renal problems and liver diseases therefore have lower level of vitamin D when tested,” added the doctor. Patients suffering from immune problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also seen to have lower levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is also necessary for the bone growth density, to increase immunity and to fight pneumonia. It plays an essential role in maintaining bone health by regulating calcium concentrations in the body. Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with deteriorating bone health, and in severe cases, hypocalcemia, rickets, and osteomalacia in children and adults. Anyone suffering from vitamin D deficiency has weakness in muscles, abnormal contraction, muscle cramps and pain in bones.