Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Diabetic Patients in Western Libya
Despite the relative abundance of sunny weather, surprisingly, there is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency
is extremely prevalent in females of reproductive age in Middle East countries. There is also increasing interest in
the non-classical roles of vitamin in health and disease including its relation to incidence of gestational diabetes, its
impact on glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus, and its association with some complications of pregnancy like preeclampsia.
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant diabetic
patients in west Libya and analyse potential links to socioeconomic and cultural factors. This is a cross sectional
observational study. Random plasma was collected form expected mothers attending the Antenatal Diabetes Clinic
at Tripoli’s Main Maternity Hospital. Demographics and socioeconomic and cultural factors were recorded at the
same time. Samples were analysed for vitamin D level and biochemical screening panel. Vitamin D level was
obtained from 160 patients (mean age 35 years). Over all 95 % of the study population had vitamin D levels below
normal (defined as vitamin D level of < 20 ng/mL). Results were subcategorised into severe deficiency ( 30 ng/ml, only 1.3%, 2 patients). All patients were taking daily vitamin D Supplements at a dose of 400
IU as per hospital policy. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in pregnant diabetic patients in Libya. There
is no clear association with socioeconomic risk factors like employment, type of accommodation or geographic
distribution. However, most of the study population had life style characterized by minimal exposure to direct sun arabic 11 English 70
G Murad, A Bashein(1-2019)
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