International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2018, Vol.8, No.3, 10-13
12
Many studies have shown a strong association between hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome, thyroid function
has been associated with individual components of metabolic syndrome. FT4 levels were associated with total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels (Roos et al., 2007).
In Shantha’s study, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 21.9% and that of overt hypothyroidism was
7.4% in patients with metabolic syndrome, whereas in the control group, the prevalence of subclinical
hypothyroidism was 6.6% and that of overt hypothyroidism was 2%. In this study, mean systolic pressure,
diastolic pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and
TSH values were significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group compared to the control group (Shantha et
al., 2009).
The study by Uzunlulu, had shown that the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 16.4% in patients with
metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome group had significantly higher levels of mean systolic pressure,
diastolic pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
triglycerides and TSH values. Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome
(Uzunlulu et al., 2007).
In the study done by Ogbera, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with hypothyroidism was 40%.
Hyperglycemia was the commonest occurring metabolic syndrome defining criterion. It was reported in 50%
(Ogbera et al., 2012).
4 Conclusion
Carbohydrate abnormalities are frequent in patients with hypothyroidism. They occur in patients with risk factors
for type 2 diabetes such as age, obesity, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and a personal history of high blood
pressure and high triglyceride levels.
Furthermore, there is a negative correlation between FT4 levels and the risk of carbohydrate abnormalities, which
supports the hypothesis that thyroid hormone deficiency is diabetogenic.
The modulating role of dietary factors and physical activity is important as demonstrated by the risk of
hyperglycemia by poor eating habits and lack of physical activity.
Authors’ contributions
S.A., E.A.K., S.C. and F.Z.B. carried out the study and drafted the manuscript, D.M. and F.C. participated in the study. All authors
read and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank patients and all persons who participated in the carrying out of this study.
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