DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i02.045

Pages: 531-535

Despite massive research, association of hypothyroidism(HT) with insulin sensitivity is poorly understood and still needs further clarification. In addition, thyroid dysfunction has been found to be associated with altered glucose and insulin metabolism. The objective of present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid function, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in hypothyroidism patients (without and with diabetes) and compared it with non diabetic euthyroid subjects Fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin and thyroid profile were estimated by using standard methods in 80 patients of HT divided into two groups of 40 HT nondiabetic patients and 40 HT diabetic patients as Group II and Group III respectively, and compared it with 40 age matched healthy controls (Group I). Homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA-IR) was employed to assess the level of insulin resistance. The values were expressed as Mean ± SD and data from patients and controls were compared using students‘t’ test. Serum insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) levels along with fasting blood sugar were significantly high (p<0.001) whereas serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly low (p<0.001) in patients group as compared to control. Nondiabetic and diabetic hypothyroidism patients demonstrated significantly increased insulin resistance as observed by the higher HOMA-IR as compared to the controls. Thus, hypothyroidism is associated with hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity involving hyperinsulinemia, altered peripheral glucose disposal and insulin resistance. Therefore, maintenance of normal thyroid profile, regular monitoring of glucose levels along with control on insulin level in hypothyroidism patients will hopefully contribute to a more adequate management of diabetes.