Project Materials

EVALUATION OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

ABSTRACT

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Thyroid Dysfunction (TD) are the two most prevalent endocrinopathies in the general population. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is frequently associated with abnormal thyroid function. The study’s goal is to examine TD in T2DM patients who visit the Endocrinology Clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto. Blood samples were drawn from 80 Type 2 diabetic patients and 80 non-diabetics (controls) and tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyrorine (T3), thyroxin (T4), cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low density lipoproteins (LDL-C). The levels of FBS, HbA1c, cholesterol, TG, and LDL-C were shown to be considerably higher in diabetics than in control patients. T3 and T4 levels were much lower, whereas TSH levels were significantly higher in Type 2 diabetes than in non-diabetics. Pearson correlation reveals a very significant positive association between FBS and HbA1c, but a modest positive relationship between these sugars and thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4). Thyroid dysfunction can impair metabolic regulation in diabetic mellitus (DM). Patients must therefore recognise and, where necessary, treat thyroid dysfunction in order to maintain metabolic regulation.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are the two most frequent endocrine illnesses among adults (Diezet al., 2011). The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing faster than any other type of diabetes due to increased urbanisation, which promotes obesity through reduced physical activity and increased consumption of refined foods and snacks worldwide (Zimmet, 1999; Zimmetet al., 2001).

Thyroid hormones, specifically Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), which can be increased or lowered, have both direct and indirect effects on blood glucose homeostasis (Udionget et al., 2007).

Hyperglycemia is caused by elevated amounts of free circulating thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), which causes polyphagia, increases glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, accelerates insulin breakdown, and stimulates glycogenolysis.

\Hypothyroidism, which causes a decrease in hormone levels, can lead to hypoglycemia. Hypothyroidism, the most frequent thyroid malfunction, has a larger impact on Type 2 diabetics with pre-existing dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Cooper, 2003; Rama et al; 2003; Johnson, 2006).

Furthermore, thyroid hormones influence lipid synthesis, mobilisation, and metabolism (Dias et al., 2011; Murray et al., 2000).