Evaluation of Thyroid Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Sokoto Metropolis

ABSTRACT

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Thyroid Dysfunction (TD) are the two most common endocrinopathies seen in general population. Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) is commonly associated with altered thyroid function. The aim of the research is to evaluate TD in patients with T2DM attending Endocrinology Clinic of UsmanuDanfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Blood samples were collected from 80 Type 2 diabetic patients and 80 non-diabetics (control) and analyze for fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C)and low-density lipoproteins(LDL-C). The levels, of FBS, HbA1c, Cholesterol, TG and LDL-C were observed to be significantly high and the level of HDL-C was significantly low in diabetics as compared to control(non-diabetic patients). The levels of T3 and T4 were significantly low while the level of TSH was significantly high in Type 2 diabetics as compared to non-diabetics. Pearson correlation shows a very strong positive relationship between FBS and HbA1c and weak positive relationship between these sugars and Thyroid hormones(TSH, T3,andT4). Thyroid dysfunction may complicate metabolic control in diabetes mellitus (DM). It is therefore patients to recognize and where necessary treat thyroid dysfunction in order to stabilize metabolic control.