Lipid abnormalities and Insulin Resistance Among Patients with Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by thyroid hormone deficiency due to
reduced production, deranged distribution, or lack of thyroid hormone effects. Thyroid hormones have
multiple effects on the regulation of lipid digestion, absorption, synthesis, and catabolism. The thyroid
hormones are known to have a stimulating effect on maturation of the insulin secreting beta cells, and
thyroid hormone receptors have been detected in these cells.
Aim of study: To detect the level of lipid abnormalities and insulin resistance in both overt and
subclinical hypothyroidism.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 54 persons. They were divided into 3 groups: group I
included 18 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH), group II included 18 patients with subclinical
hypothyroidism (SCH) and group III (Control group) included 18 apparently healthy volunteers. For all
groups: history and examination were done. For newly diagnosed patients follow up was done after 6
months after levothyroxine therapy.
Results: there was a significant difference in the insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia among (OH) and
(SCH) in comparison to healthy subjects. Improvement of parameters in insulin resistance and
hyperlipidemia in patients with OH and SCH after levothyroxine therapy Conclusion: Hypothyroidism
is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, which are atherosclerotic risk indicators. TSH
had maximum impact on the improvement of insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia in hypothyroid
patients after 6 months of levothyroxine therapy. Keywords: hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, insulin
resistance .