Insulin Resistance in Patients with Benign Thyroid Nodules

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Thyroidology

Background:

• Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition linked to various health issues.
• The relationship between insulin resistance and thyroid nodules requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of insulin resistance in patients with benign thyroid nodules.
• To explore the association between insulin resistance and benign thyroid nodules in an iodine-sufficient area.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted on 30 euthyroid patients with benign thyroid nodules and 30 matched controls.
• Insulin resistance was diagnosed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (>2.5).
• Participants were matched for age, gender, and body mass index.

Main Results:

• The mean HOMA-IR value was significantly higher in patients with thyroid nodules (1.32 ± 0.65) compared to controls (0.76 ± 0.36).
• Insulin resistance was observed in 6.7% of patients with thyroid nodules, versus 0% in the control group.
• A positive significant correlation was found between HOMA-IR and thyroid nodule size (r=+0.38).

Conclusions:

• Patients with benign thyroid nodules exhibit higher HOMA-IR values, indicating increased insulin resistance.
• A significant association exists between insulin resistance and the presence of benign thyroid nodules.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of insulin resistance in thyroid nodule development.