Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with and Without Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Abstract

In clinical practice, Diabetes Mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder. The prevalence of thyroid disorders is higher in diabetic patients as compared to general population and the most common disorder being subclinical hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism has been claimed to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and various biochemical abnormalities including dyslipidemia. The present study was planned to measure serum lipids such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol and high density lipoprotein- cholesterol in type 2 diabetics with and without subclinical hypothyroidism. Study includes 200 patients of type 2 diabetics with subclinical hypothyroidism and 200 type 2 diabetics without subclinical hypothyroidism. The data were evaluated statistically. We found significantly increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (p<0.001) and significantly decreased high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (p<0.001) in type 2 diabetes mellitus with subclinical hypothyroidism before therapy as compared to type 2 diabetes mellitus without subclinical hypothyroidism. After L-thyroxine therapy we observed highly significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (p<0.001) and significantly increase in high density lipoproteincholesterol (p<0.001) in type 2 diabetes mellitus with subclinical hypothyroidism as compared to before therapy. Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with atherogenic serum lipid profile pattern. Such pattern may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and CVD. L-thyroxine is of utmost importance to reduce or prevent the risk of development of atherosclerosis and CVD in type 2 DM with SCH patients.