Insulin resistance and serum lipid profile in hypo- and hyper-thyroidism and their relationship with serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels

Abstract

Background: The coexistence of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus is increasing in prevalence. Thyroid dysfunction leads to alterations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. This study aimed at determining the association between altered thyroid hormone levels, insulin resistance (IR), and serum lipid profile. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective was to study fetal bovine serum (FBS), serum insulin, IR, and lipid profile in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients and to compare them with healthy control subjects. The secondary objective was to correlate IR and lipid profile with serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study including 165 participants of the age group of 18–45 years. Participants were selected after proper exclusion and informed consent. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The following parameters were studied: Serum FBS, serum insulin, IR, total cholesterol, serum high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TSH. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 18. Results: IR has been found elevated in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects. In hypothyroid subjects, a significant elevation in total cholesterol LDL and triglycerides has been found, while in hyperthyroid subjects, no significant alteration in serum lipid profile has been found. IR showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in the hypothyroid group. Conclusion: The present study showed elevated IR in hypo- and hyper-thyroidism and elevated lipid profile in hypothyroidism.