Association of Hypothyroidism With Microvascular Complications Among Patients of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common metabolic disorder leading to various complications including micro-vascular complication. Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction can result in abnormalities of one another, as both are strongly implicated in cellular metabolism. Aim of study was to establish any association between hypothyroidism and micro-vascular complications in patients of type 2 DM.
 Material and Methods: This Hospital based Cross sectional analytical Study was included 80 Euthyroid and 80 hypothyroid patients of type 2 DM. These patients were subjected to fundus examination (for retinopathy), urine for spot albumin and creatinine ratio and routine microscopy (for nephropathy), clinical examination and NCV (for neuropathy).
 Results: Age of patients ranged from 30 – 80 years. Most patients had duration of Diabetes > 5 years. Diabetic retinopathy was found in 15% Euthyroid and 37.5% Hypothyroid diabetics (p=0.002). Neuropathy was more in Hypothyroid (35%) as compared to Euthyroid (12.5%) patients (p=0.003). Prevalence of Nephropathy was also significantly more (p=0.011) in Hypothyroids (60%) as compared to Euthyroid (38.75%).
 Conclusion: Significant association was found between hypothyroidism and micro vascular complications in type 2 Diabetes mellitus. Screening of diabetics for thyroid functions is essential to reduce morbidity.
 Keywords: Diabetes, thyroid, retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy