Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH] is frequently encountered. Likewise, the prevalence of insulin resistance [IR] and its complications is increasing worldwide. The link between IR and overt hypothyroidism is well recognized, but the evidence is conflicting regarding SCH.
Aim of the work: To evaluate the IR in Egyptian female patients with SCH in the absence of diabetes mellitus [DM].
Patients and methods: A case-control study that included 30 female patients with SCH [case group], and [control group] included 30 healthy female subjects. All participants were free of DM. Clinical and laboratory evaluation were carried out including measurement of thyroid profile, serum insulin, plasma glucose levels, and lipid profile. IR was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR].
Results: We found significant increase in HOMA-IR in the case group [P<0.001]. Thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] was correlated with HOMA-IR. Patients with SCH exhibited disturbed lipid profile.
Conclusion: In the absence of DM and in the event of SCH, Egyptian female patients have higher HOMA-IR index with respect to control subjects. Dyslipidemia is characteristic in those patients. HOMA-IR was correlated with TSH levels in the study population.