A study of thyroid dysfunction in known cases of diabetes mellitus type 2 and their clinical profile

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction is a disorder of the thyroid gland which manifests either as hyper - or hypothyroidism and is reflected in the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the commonest endocrine disorder and leading cause of morbidity worldwide. These two most common endocrine disorders encountered in clinical practice have been shown to mutually influence each other, and association between both the conditions has long been reported. The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: 100 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined for thyroid dysfunction. A detailed history was taken regarding presenting symptoms, duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinical course of disease. A family history was taken with special reference to type 2 diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities. BMI was calculated to diagnose obesity. A thorough clinical examination was done. Ophthalmic examination was done to diagnose retinopathy and cataract. Detailed blood investigations were done including serum TSH, free T3 and free T4. Results: Males were more affected with diabetes than females and occurrence of thyroid dysfunction was found more common in females with Type 2 DM in our study. Hypothyroidism was most common type of thyroid dysfunction with affected age group was 51-60 years. DM and thyroid dysfunction were more common in overweight patients. Thyroid dysfunction in type 2 DM was seen more commonly with higher levels of HBA1C. Dyslipidemia was more in patients of diabetes with thyroid dysfunction. Patients taking insulin had more incidence of hypothyroidism than patients on OHA. Diabetes related microvascular complications increase the risk for thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction prevalence is very high in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes having microvascular complications are more affected with thyroid diseases. Dyslipidemia is also common in DM with thyroid diseases. So thyroid function test must be done on regular basis in each and every patient of DM 2.