April 2026, Volume 4, Issue 4

Author

Samiya Begum Ibrahim, W. Jincy, S. Suganya and Lakshman Raj Raja

Abstract

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, largely driven by atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in this population and has been implicated in adverse cardiometabolic profiles. The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and composite lipid risk markers such as the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) remains insufficiently explored, particularly in Indian clinical settings. Objectives: To assess serum vitamin D levels and lipid profile parameters in patients with T2DM and to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and the atherogenic index of plasma. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, from December 2018 to March 2019. A total of 120 patients with T2DM were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile using enzymatic methods on a semi-autoanalyzer, and serum vitamin D levels were estimated by ELISA. The atherogenic index of plasma was calculated as log??(triglycerides/HDL cholesterol). Associations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level was 20.0 ± 7.8 ng/mL. Serum vitamin D showed significant inverse correlations with triglycerides (r = ?0.246, p = 0.007), VLDL cholesterol (r = ?0.244, p = 0.007), and the atherogenic index (r = ?0.278, p = 0.002). No significant correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, or post-prandial blood glucose. Conclusion: Lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with higher atherogenic index values in patients with T2DM, suggesting a link between vitamin D status and lipid-related cardiovascular risk. Evaluation of serum vitamin D alongside composite lipid indices may aid cardiovascular risk stratification in this population.