Amir Reza Nasiri
1 
, Ebrahim Mohammadi
2* , Mohammadreza Mohammad Hosseiniazar
2 1 Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Taleghani Hospital Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Taleghani Hospital Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in populations with high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The association between vitamin D deficiency and MASLD in diabetic patients remains incompletely characterized. This study aimed to assess plasma vitamin D levels in type 2 diabetes patients with and without MASLD at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, diabetic patients with and without MASLD were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data, including BMI, lipid profile, liver enzymes, blood pressure, and plasma vitamin D levels, were collected. MASLD was diagnosed using ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria included other chronic liver diseases, alcohol consumption, and hepatotoxic medications. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27. Results: Among 128 participants (97 men, 31 women), the mean vitamin D level was 24.5 ± 10.4 ng/mL, with 72% exhibiting deficiency. Hepatic steatosis was present in 50% of patients, who demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency correlated positively with higher BMI and poorer glycemic control in non-steatotic patients, though this relationship was absent in those with steatosis. Steatotic patients also showed elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, ALT, and higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in diabetic patients, particularly those with MASLD, and is associated with obesity and inadequate glycemic control. These findings support targeted screening and vitamin D supplementation in high-risk populations to potentially improve metabolic and hepatic outcomes.
Please cite this paper as:
Nasiri AR, Mohammadi E, Hajiesmaello M. Biochemical assessment of plasma vitamin d levels in diabetic patients with and without hepatic steatosis at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia, Iran. Journal of Biochemicals and Phytomedicine. 2025; 4(2): 42-49. doi: 10.34172/jbp.2025.16.