Insulin Resistance and Vitamin D Deficiency in Relation to Body Mass Index

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are worldwide health issues associated with metabolic diseases. Aims: This study examined the association between vitamin D insufficiency and insulin resistance (IR) and body mass index (BMI) in Zliten, Libya, to assess whether BMI modulates the association between vitamin D and IR. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 60 individuals (18-60 years) was conducted. Serum 25(OH)D, fasting glucose, and insulin were measured using automated chemiluminescence. IR was calculated via HOMA-IR. Results: Participants showed a mean BMI of 40.28 (morbid obesity), vitamin D of 21.04 ng/mL (deficiency), and HOMA-IR of 4.97. While regression analysis showed weak overall predictors, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and HOMA-IR (p=0.031). Conclusion: Vitamin D and BMI were not strong sole predictors of IR in this morbidly obese cohort, although a significant inverse association between vitamin D and IR was observed.