Low Iodine found in Diabetics

Iodine Concentration Studied in Type 2 Diabetes

A new study reports that urinary iodine concentration is related to insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Previous research indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for thyroid disease. Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of cases.

The subjects included 109 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 157 healthy individuals between 18 and 55 years of age. The researchers measured fasting glucose, lipids, thyroid hormones including T3, T4 and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) and urine levels of creatinine and iodine. Additionally, investigators measured serum levels of inflammatory markers and hormones associated with insulin resistance including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, insulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor (aPAI), C-reactive protein (hsCRP), angiotensin II and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). They also evaluated waist and hip circumference.

The researchers found that levels of urinary iodine were significantly lower in the subjects with type 2 diabetes compared to the healthy control subjects. The investigators showed that lower levels of urinary iodine were associated with greater waist and hip circumference, and levels of insulin, insulin resistance, glucose, triglycerides, resistin, angiotensin II and CRP. Lower levels of urinary iodine correlated with lower TSH.

The study authors stated, “The decreased levels of iodine concentration in type 2 diabetes patients and its likely deleterious effects on metabolic functions calls for a systematic approach to thyroid disease screening in diabetic patients. Routine annual urinary iodine determination is recommended and should target type 2 diabetes patients at risk of thyroid dysfunction.”

Reference:
Al-Attas OS, et al. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2012;10:618-22.