Comparison of Insulin Sensitivity in Subclinical and Overt Hypothyroidism

Objective: To assess the association of thyroid hormone levels with insulin sensitivity in patients with subclinical (SCH) and overt hypothyroidism (OH). Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional case-control study observed the association of thyroid hormone levels with insulin sensitivity in patients with SCH and OH as compared to their age-matched controls with euthyroidism (ET). Thyroid profile status, fasting blood sugar and triglyceride level, and basic anthropometric measurements were noted. Fasting insulin level (FIL) was analyzed using serum. Body mass index (BMI) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Results: Insulin levels were found to be significantly increased (p = 0.038) in patients with SCH as well as those with OH when compared with compared with age-matched ET controls. insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was comparable among the subjects of the three groups. Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and OH had high insulin levels but without statistically significant association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and QUICKI.