Oh, what a groundbreaking revelation from the world of science! In a stunning display of investigative prowess, researchers have unearthed that patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in Saudi Arabia might just be lacking in vitamins. Who would have thought, right? Conducted with the precision of picking names out of a hat, this study used the ever-so-rigorous convenience sampling method at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh to enlighten us with these pearls of wisdom.

Between February and May 2022, a whopping total of 88 patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) were put under the microscope (not literally, of course). Armed with a standard questionnaire that probably asked them if they remembered eating their veggies, researchers embarked on a quest to find out which micronutrients were playing hide and seek. And lo and behold, the elusive Vitamin D was the champion of hide-and-seek, missing in action in 43.2% of patients. Following closely behind were the shy ferritin, the elusive B12, and the ever-so-sneaky folic acid.

But wait, there’s more! In a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, it turns out that Vitamin B12 deficiency is the arch-nemesis of patients who’ve had an amputation. Meanwhile, folic acid has a bone to pick with those suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD), showing a statistically significant difference that’s sure to send shockwaves through the medical community (P = 0.041). And let’s not forget about our friend B12 again, who seems to have a vendetta against those with charcot foot (P = 0.019) and a history of amputation (P = 0.029).

In conclusion, the researchers have called for more comprehensive research, because apparently, we need even deeper awareness of the fact that people with diabetes might be missing some vitamins. Who knew? So, hats off to the intrepid researchers for their contribution to science. May their call for more research echo through the halls of science until every last micronutrient is accounted for.