Association Between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND studies have demonstrated an association between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic retinopathy with conflicting . This study is aimed to find out if any such association exists as it may have therapeutic implications as both conditions commonly seen. AND METHODS case-control study was done at RLJ hospital, Kolar, Karnataka. A total of 150 cases and 150 controls were screened for function. SCH patients were defined as having TSH level >4.0 μIU/ml under normal free thyroxine level conditions taking any thyroid medications. was defined as normal TSH and free thyroxine levels. Blood samples from diabetic patients satisfying the inclusion exclusion criteria were taken, after written informed consent was obtained. Subject’s height and weight were measured. mass index was calculated as weight divided by height squared. Blood pressure was measured in the sitting position after 10 minutes of rest. Fasting venous blood sample was collected for measurement of glucose, lipid profile and thyroid function. 1c was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography instruments. age of cases was 56 ± 9 years and mean age of controls was 56.5 ± 10.2 years. There was no significant difference in age between two groups. (Age matching achieved). Majority of cases and controls were males. There was no significant in Gender distribution. (Gender Matching achieved). There was no significant difference in mean FBS, PPBS and 1c between two groups. study concludes that TSH levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls after matching age, gender and glycemic . Subclinical hypothyroidism is more frequently seen in diabetic retinopathy patients and was more common in PDR than NPDR patients.