Assessment of thyroid profile in diabetes mellitus at Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a common endocrine metabolic disorder, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thyroid dysfunction has been frequently encountered in diabetic patients with hypothyroidism being the most common type of dysfunction. Diabetics have a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders when compared with general population. The aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to find the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) attending an outpatients department and medical wards of Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital. Materials and methods: Total of 100 subjects were studied, divided into two groups A - 50 known type 2 diabetic patients and group B - controls group which consisted of 50 nondiabetic indiuvals. Fasting venous blood sample was taken and analyzed for blood glucose, serum T3 (Triiodothyronine), serum T4 (Thyroxine) and serum TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) were analyzed. Results: The levels of serum TSH and fasting blood sugar were significantly increased while serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly decreased in Group –A when compared to Group- B. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence (40 %) of thyroid dysfunction in type 2 DM. Subclinical hypothyroidism is the most common in type 2 DM. So, routine Assay of thyroid hormones in type 2 DM is needed in those patients.