Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Indicators in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Thyroid Dysfunction in Rural South India: Focus on Lipid indices

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and thyroid dysfunction are common endocrine disorders that frequently coexist, leading to metabolic disturbances and increased cardiovascular risk. This study aims to evaluate these lipid indices in T2DM patients with and without thyroid dysfunction in a rural South Indian population to assess their cardiovascular risk.

Methods- A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara, from November 2023 to June 2024. A total of 150 participants, aged 20-60 years, were categorized into three groups: (1) T2DM patients with hypothyroidism (Group A), (2) T2DM patients without thyroid dysfunction (Group B), and (3) Healthy controls (Group C). Blood samples were analyzed for thyroid hormones, lipid profiles, and HbA1c using standard laboratory techniques. Lipid indices were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results- The mean age of participants was 45.6 ± 10.2 years, with a balanced gender distribution. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in lipid indices among the study groups: Castelli Risk Index I (F = 13.59, p < 0.00001), Castelli Risk Index II (F = 11.53, p = 0.000022), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) (F = 13.59, p < 0.00001), Atherogenic Coefficient (F = 13.10, p < 0.00001). A strong positive correlation was observed between HbA1c levels and both AIP and Atherogenic Coefficient, particularly in T2DM patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion- Incorporating lipid indices into routine screening may enhance early detection and targeted interventions, ultimately improving cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic populations, especially in rural settings.