Association Between Vitamin D Status and Metabolic Flexibility in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Authors

  • Dr. Nina Keller Author
  • Dr. Elena Moretti Author
  • Dr. Samuel K. Owusu Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61336/jdme.0602.01

Keywords:

Vitamin D, metabolic flexibility, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is common among individuals with type 2 diabetes and has been associated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. This study evaluated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and metabolic flexibility in adults with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 142 adults with established type 2 diabetes. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and HbA1c were assessed. Metabolic flexibility was estimated from changes in respiratory quotient during a standardized fasting-to-fed metabolic assessment. Participants were categorized according to vitamin D status. Individuals with lower vitamin D concentrations demonstrated greater insulin resistance and reduced metabolic flexibility compared with participants with higher vitamin D concentrations. Serum vitamin D was inversely associated with HOMA-IR and positively associated with metabolic flexibility after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and diabetes duration. These findings suggest that vitamin D status may be associated with metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Nina Keller

    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine

  • Dr. Elena Moretti

    Department of Internal Medicine

  • Dr. Samuel K. Owusu

    Department of Medicine

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Published

2026-08-27

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