Aims/Introduction: There
are studies in different countries regarding the prevalence of vitamin D
deficiency in non diabetic population. Few studies were done in adults with type 1
diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted to determine Vitamin D Status among Saudi
patients with type 1 diabetes and to correlate the associated environmental
risk factors. Materials and Methods: A
cross-sectional single centre study was conducted in 221 Saudi patients with
type 1 diabetes mellitus. These patients were recruited through the Diabetes
Centre at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital between January 2008 and June 2009. 25-hydroxy-vitamin
D, Parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were
measured. Results: There
were 221 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 92 males (42%)
and 129 females (58%). The mean age was 21.3 ± 7.2 and the mean diabetes duration was 7.5 ± 5.7. The
frequency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/l and <25 nmol/l were
97% and 60% respectively. The frequency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 25
nmol/l was significantly more frequent in female. 67% were either only exposed
face or totally covered. Duration of sun exposure in 64% was less than
30 minutes per day. The area of skin exposed and duration of sunlight exposure associated
significantly with Vitamin D levels (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001
respectively). Age was
associated with more vitamin D < 25 nmol/l (the odds ratio (95% confidence
interval); 4.8 (4.6,14.5), p = 0.005; 5.3 (1.8,15.5), p = 0.003; 3.9
(1.5,10.5), p = 0.007 for age groups 12 - 15, 16 - 19 and 20 - 24 years
old consequently. Male gender and exposing face, arms and legs to sun were associated
with vitamin D ≥ 25 nmol/l; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 0.27
(0.11,0.6), p = 0.001; 0.26 (0.09,0.75), p = 0.01 consequently. Conclusions: Pr