Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Case Control Study on a Sample of Egyptian Type I Diabetic Patients.

Type 1 diabetic patients are vulnerable for autoimmune thyroid disease. The incidence of type I Diabetes in Egypt is 8/100000. Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction impairs metabolic status and increase cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients. Objectives of the study were to underscore autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid dysfunction on a sample of Egyptian type I diabetes mellitus. One hundred type 1 diabetic subjects without previously known thyroid diseases and 50 controls were included. Physical examination, HbA1c, thyroid profile (TSH, free T3 and free T4), thyroid ultrasound anti-peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were assessed. Autoimmune thyroiditis was detected in 27 % of the patients, and significantly associated with parental consanguinity, familial autoimmune disease and goiter. It is concluded that autoimmune thyroiditis is evident on laboratory assessment of type 1 diabetic patients who were apparently euthyroid. Screening of type I diabetics for thyroid diseases should be done even in absence of clinical evidence for better glycemic control and to improve long term outcome.

Effect of controlling blood glucose level on apoptosis in type II diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are complex syndromes representing universal health problems. Egypt ranks ninth among countries with diabetes where the problem is magnified. Researchers have discussed the effect of hyper glycaemia on apoptosis. However, the aims of this study were to assess CD95 positive cells in controlled and uncontrolled type II diabetic patients and to elucidate the effect of controlling blood glucose level on apoptosis. The study was a case control, included controlled type II diabetics and uncontrolled with or without complications) and healthy control groups. Apoptosis was detected by serum DNA fragmentation using ELISA and CD95 positive cells by flow cytometry. There was highly significant increased serum DNA fragmentation and CD95-positive cells in uncontrolled TII DM (complicated and non-complicated) than controlled DM and healthy control groups. In conclusions, poor glycemic control was associated with increased apoptosis.