The Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Metabolism of Some Trace Elements in Subjects With Diabetes Mellitus in Edo South Senatorial District of Nigeria

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and a resultant effect of persistent hyperglycaemia. Type 2 diabetes also known as adult-onset diabetes is majorly caused by insulin resistance. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of thyroid abnormality on anti-oxidative cofactors in subjects with diabetes mellitus in Edo South Senatorial district of Edo State. A total of 150 participants (100 subjects with diabetes mellitus and 50 apparently healthy individuals used as control) were recruited into this study. Thyroid function markers, Triiodothyronine and Thyroid stimulating hormone were analysed using chemiluminescence technique. While the trace elements; magnesium, zinc, selenium and copper were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The data were analysed using statistical software for social science version 23 (IBM, Chicago IL, USA). For The thyroid hormones, there was a significant decrease in Triiodothyronine in diabetics as compared to the control group, with a non-significant increase in TSH. For the trace elements, only magnesium showed a significant decrease in the subject group when compared to the control group (p=0.007), with zinc, copper and selenium depicting no statistical significance. The relationship between thyroid hormones and trace elements showed no statistical significance. The correlation between thyroid hormones levels and selenium likewise showed no significant relationship statistically. This study revealed that accompanied by diabetes mellitus is the induction of hypothyroidism, characterized by significant decrease in Triiodothyronine and a non-significant increase in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Also discovered, was the significant decrease in the levels of magnesium in diabetics as compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Addressing these thyroid hormone derangements and hypomagnesemia in diabetes mellitus could help endocrinologists and other concerned healthcare providers in providing well-informed clinical intervention for sufferers.