Scientists from Shaoyang University and other institutions have found that vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to diabetic foot ulcers.
The study, led by Juan Lin and colleagues, was published in the International Wound Journal.
About half of all people with diabetes experience some degree of nerve damage.
Although nerve damage can affect any part of the body, it most commonly impacts the feet and legs. When nerves in the feet are damaged, sensation can be reduced or lost, making it difficult to notice injuries.
This increases the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers—one of the most common complications in people with poorly controlled diabetes.
Foot ulcers typically arise due to a combination of factors, including high blood sugar levels, neuropathy, poor circulation, and inadequate foot care. These wounds can be slow to heal and may lead to serious infections if not treated promptly.
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough vitamin D from sunlight, food, or supplements. Low vitamin D levels can contribute to bone loss, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures.
In the current study, researchers reviewed data from 7,586 individuals with diabetes. Among them, 1,565 had diabetic foot ulcers, while 6,021 did not. The goal was to assess whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with the presence of foot ulcer wounds.
The team found that people with diabetic foot ulcers had significantly lower vitamin D levels than those without ulcers. They also had a much higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (defined as <50 nmol/L), as well as a higher rate of severe deficiency.
The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency is more common in diabetic patients with foot ulcers and may contribute to the development or poor healing of these wounds. The researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to confirm the relationship and to explore whether vitamin D supplementation could help improve outcomes.
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