Features of anxiety and depression indicators in patients with autoimmune diabetes mellitus on the background of different vitamin D status

Iryna Tsaryk; Nataliia Pashkovska; Volodymyr Pankiv; Valeriy Pashkovskyy; Nina Stankova

Iryna Tsaryk Department of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Nataliia Pashkovska Department of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Volodymyr Pankiv Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Centre of Endocrine Surgery, Transplantation of Endocrine Organs and Tissues of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Valeriy Pashkovskyy Department of Nervous Diseases, Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Nina Stankova Polyclinic Department No.2, Chernivtsi Regional Clinical Hospital, Chernivtsi, Ukraine

Keywords: autoimmune diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, LADA, vitamin D, anxiety, depression

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental disorders that significantly affect the quality of life, work capacity, and overall health. Their incidence is rising due to modern stressors, including economic instability, social isolation, and global crises. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in central nervous system function, influencing mood through its effects on neurotransmitter regulation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased anxiety and depression, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), who already face heightened psychological distress. This study explores the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety and depression in patients with autoimmune DM, including classical type 1 DM (T1DM) and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). A total of 100 patients were assessed for serum vitamin D levels, psycho-emotional indicators, and metabolic parameters. Findings indicate a significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and elevated anxiety and depression scores in both T1DM and LADA patients. Higher situational and personal anxiety, along with more severe depressive symptoms, were observed in individuals with lower vitamin D levels. These results underscore the importance of vitamin D status in managing the psychological well-being of autoimmune diabetes patients and highlight the need for integrated therapeutic strategies addressing both metabolic and emotional health.