Thyroid Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Thyroid problems have the tendency to co-occur in the diabetic patients. In the subjects of diabetes type 2 the frequency of thyroid problems is 2-3 times greater as compared to non diabetic individuals. This study was aimed to see the serum levels of triiodothronine, thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone in type 2 diabetic persons. Methods: It is across sectional analytical study which is done in Post Graduate medical Institute, Lahore General Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from September 2013 to March 2014. Antecubital venous blood samples were taken during morning hours (0800-1000), after an overnight fast. Serum was obtained for the thyroid profile and blood glucose. Results: There were total 84 males, 72 patients and 12 controls, and 100 females, 88 patients and 12 controls, enrolled in the study. Male age ranges 45-60 years (mean51.03 +/- 6.62) and female age ranges 40-60 years (mean 48.58 +/- 6.05). A highly significant increase was seen in serum T3 and fasting blood glucose levels in male patients. In case of females a highly significant rise was seen in the serum T3 and T4 and fasting blood glucose levels. There was no significant change seen in serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels in both male and female subjects. Conclusion: Present study shows increased incidence of deranged levels of thyroid hormone in the patients of diabetes type 2. If deranged levels of thyroid hormones remain unidentified in diabetic patients it can become a principal reason of poor control often come across in patients of type 2 diabetes which are under treatment.