Pattern of thyroid dysfunction among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Kano metropolis

Abstract

Background: Studies have associated thyroid dysfunction with diabetes and hypertension, two non-communicable diseases, the burden of which continues to increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, information is scanty on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among diabetics and hypertensives in Kano.
Aim: The study determined the pattern of thyroid dysfunction among diabetic and hypertensive patients in Kano metropolis.
Methods: The levels of serum fT3, fT4 and TSH in diabetic, hypertensive patients and control were determined and expressed as Mean±SD. A total of 120 participants were involved in the study with 47 being diabetic patients, 43 hypertensive patients and 30 healthy individuals served as control.
Results: The serum TSH, fT4 and fT3 of the diabetic group was found to be 2.33 ± 3.64, 16.85 ± 3.10 and 2.49 ± 0.68 respectively. The serum TSH, fT4 and fT3 of the hypertensive group was found to be 1.78 ± 1.30, 13.4 ± 2.35 and 2.40 ± 0.47respectively. The serum TSH, fT4 and fT3 of the control group was found to be 2.84 ± 1.28, 11.17 ± 1.93 and 2.37 ± 0.17 respectively. This represent a significant difference in fT4 levels between the diabetic and control group, and a significant difference in fT4 and TSH levels between the hypertensive group and control group. The prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction in diabetics was found to be 6.38% with 4.25% accounted for by subclinical hypothyroidism and 2.13% were filed under Sick Euthyroid. In hypertensives, the prevalence was found to be 6.98%; 4.65% of cases were classified as Sick Euthyroid and only 2.33% was accounted for by Subclinical hypothyroidism. In the control group, the prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction in diabetics was found to be 6.67% with 2.50% of that due to subclinical hypothyroidism and 4.17% due to Sick Euthyroid cases.
Conclusion: This study proves that the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was higher in Diabetics and Hypertensives than in apparently healthy people.