Functional adaptation of thyroid gland in postmenopausal women with and without diabetes

Background: Prevalence of thyroid disorders in general population and in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus is inconsistent in different populations. The combined effect of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes in postmenopausal age may have its specific adaptations from the normal set up. The thyroid profile can provide a link between thyroid and diabetic postmenopausal women of variable ages. The study was designed to compare Thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], Total thyroxine [TT4], Total triiodothyronine [TT3], Free thyroxine [FT4] and Free triiodothyronine [FT3] in non-diabetic postmenopausal, diabetic postmenopausal and premenopausal non-diabetic females

Methods: A total of 78 females from Lahore, Pakistan were recruited for the study and were divided into three groups: diabetic postmenopausal [n=32], non-diabetic postmenopausal [n=33] and premenopausal non-diabetic [n=13]. Participant’s serum sample was collected after written informed consent and analyzed for the above mentioned thyroid parameters by using ELISA

Results: TT4 was significantly greater in diabetic post-menopausal as compared to premenopausal. In diabetic subjects TT3 and FT3 were significantly lower as compared to non-diabetic postmenopausal. Compared to diabetic postmenopausal subjects FT3 level was significantly greater in premenopausal subjects

Conclusion: Thyroid gland appears to adapt its function in postmenopausal diabetic and non-diabetics. However, studies on larger population are required for a clear picture

Building a culture of research: focus group discussion

Background: Medical curriculum should be enabled to train students in research but focus in this regard is much lacking. This study was designed to explore the perception of final year medical students regarding pre-requisites of a research culture at the level of institute, faculty and leadership

Methods: A focus group discussion with two mini groups [male and female group], each consisting of 6 members and supervised by an experienced moderator was conducted. The study comprised of discussion lasting for 90 minutes. Firstly, opinions of students were gathered and coded, then it was followed by conversion of their statements into themes and interpretation of results

Results: Discussion on institutional factors, role of faculty and importance of leadership was carried out and numerous themes were identified. Among institutional factors, themes of curriculum and funding were revealed. Regarding the role of faculty, themes of motivation, skill learning and mentor-mentee ratio were highlighted and while discussing the fundamental role of leadership, need of a role model, who must be a flexible leader was emphasized

Conclusion: Institutes should support a curriculum with early exposure to research, along with hiring of supportive, research oriented faculty who can prove to be the role model and flexible research leader