ASSOCIATION OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Objective: To determine association and to evaluate and compare the trends of thyroid dysfunction among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Study Design: Case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Military Hospital Rawalpindi and chemical pathology department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, from Nov 2014 to Nov 2015.

Material and Methods: A total number of 69 diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of either sex between age group of 30-60 years along with equal number of age and sex matched non-diabetic controls were included in the study. Fasting blood glucose and serum thyroid hormones (total T3, free T4 & TSH) in both groups were analyzed and compared for statistical significance at p-value <0.05. Chi-square test was used to compare frequencies of thyroid dysfunction among cases and controls.

Results: In patients 38 (55.1%) had thyroid dysfunctions including both subclinical and true thyroid disease while 31(44.9%) presented with normal thyroid profile. In control group 16 (23.2%) subjects were diagnosed for subclinical thyroid dysfunction while 53 (76.8%) controls had no dysfunction. No overt disease was found in control group. Among thyroid parameters, serum TSH and free T4 showed statistically significant differences among patients and controls (p-value <0.05). The patient group showed significantly higher frequencies of thyroid disease (p-value <0.001). Subclinical hypothyroidism was predominant disorder followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion: This study suggests routine evaluation of thyroid dysfunction in diabetic patients to prevent diverse complications followed by co-existence of these common endocrine disorders. Type 2 diabetic patients are at more risk to develop thyroid dysfunction so routine assay of thyroid hormones in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is needed for timely therapeutic interventions.