Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with early insulin resistance in Kuwaiti women

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), defined as an asymptomatic state characterized by normal serum concentrations of free thyroxine and elevated serum concentrations of TSH. The aim of this study is to investigate the complex interplay between insulin resistance and low grade chronic inflammation in Kuwaiti women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Thirty four women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and 20 healthy women as controls matched to the patient group for sex, age and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this prospective study. TSH, FT4, C reactive protein, glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model assessment (HOMA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated. Total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly higher in patients with SCH as compared with control subjects, however triglyceride and HDL-C were not statistically different. CRP was not statistically different between the SCH patients and control group (3.64 +/- 0.94 Vs 3.18 +/- 0.71 P > 0.05). Insulin levels were significantly higher in the SCH group comparable to the control (12.5 +/- 2.67 Vs 10.80 +/- 2.01 p < 0.05), however HOMA-IR was not statistically different (2.85 +/- 0.64 Vs 2.54 +/- 10.64 P > 0.05). Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism exhibited elevated atherogenic parameters (hyperinsulinemia, total cholesterol, LDL-C). Therefore screening and treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism may be warranted due to its adverse effects on lipid metabolism.