Relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 218 patients with T2DM treated at the Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016.Based on the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), patients were divided into a hypothyroidism group (TSH>4.20 mU/L) and a control group (TSH 0.35-4.20 mU/L), and the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic nephropathy was evaluated. Results There were 46 cases in the subclinical hypothyroidism group and 172 cases in the control group.The incidences of diabetic nephropathy were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy was significantly higher in patients with high levels of TSH (≥10.0 mU/L) than in those with low levels of TSH (<10.0 mU/L) (P<0.05). Conclusions Diabetic patients with subclinical hypothyroidism are prone to diabetic nephropathy, so it is necessary to screen thyroid function. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Diabetic nephropathies; Hypothyroidism