High luteinizing  hormone levels are associated with Thyroid Nodules in Male Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective. Thyroid nodules are closely related to type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between sex hormone levels and thyroid nodules has never been fully examined in males with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to observe the association between sex hormone levels and thyroid nodules in male patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A total of 490 patients were enrolled, A total of 228 patients (46.5%) had thyroid nodules, of which 192 (39.2%) had a solid benign nodule, 30 (6.1%) had a cystic nodule, and 6 (1.2%) had a cancerous nodule, 262 patients (53.5%) were without thyroid nodules．We evaluated thyroid nodules using ultrasound, and blood glucose, blood lipids, serum insulin, sex hormones were measured in all patients. The correlations between the hormone levels and thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results. Compared with the non-thyroid nodules group, fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly elevated in the thyroid nodules group. Pearson correlation analysis found the incidence of thyroid nodules was positively correlated with FINS, HOMA-IR and LH. High LH levels was associated with thyroid nodules after controlling for FINS and HOMA-IR. Conclusion. These data suggest that high LH level plays an important role in the development of thyroid nodules. FINS, HOMA-IR and LH are independent risk factors for thyroid nodules in male patients with type 2 diabetes.