Longitudinal Evaluation of Vitamin D Concentrations in Relation to the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes in American Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis

Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

First Advisor

Rob Lyerla, Ph.D., MGIS.

Second Advisor

Kieran Fogerty, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Jeffrey Dlott, MD

Fourth Advisor

Libby MacQuillan, Ph.D.

Keywords

Diabetes, healthcare, longitudinal, secondary data, vitamin D

Abstract

Background: Prior research has suggested that low levels of Vitamin D may have negative effects on various biological functions, including Type 2 diabetes. The relationship between Vitamin D and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes has not yet been fully investigated. The objective of this research is to examine patients’ laboratory test data longitudinally to determine how vitamin D and other covariates of interest affect Type 2 diabetes status over time.

Methods: This study used retrospective data review from Quest Diagnostics from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2022. Patients included in the study were required to have consecutive test results of Vitamin D throughout the timeframe of the study. Patients were excluded if they had previous indications of Type 1 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), or pregnancy on their record.

Results: A backwards stepwise logistic regression was found to be statistically significant. The initial model found a 76.8% prediction rate and found that 25 out of the initial 36 were significant predictors of Type 2 Diabetes status. The variable most likely to increase the probability of developing diabetes was Maximum Absolute Value of the Percent Change of Total Cholesterol for all models (OR1=3.397, OR2= 3.319). The number of abnormal Vitamin D results and the maximum absolute value of the percent change of Vitamin D within an individual were included as significant predictors for the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Discussion: The relationship examined between Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes was found to be significant. This research also aligned with previously identified scientific evidence in finding other relevant predictors significantly associated with the development of Type 2 diabetes. Additional research to dissect causation and correlation needs to be conducted to better understand how Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes are related.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

4-1-2026

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