Inflammation, Blood Sugar and Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Researchers have found that people who have subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH above 4.2) have higher levels of C Reactive Protein (CRP) a marker of inflammation that is thought to be a predictor of heart disease risk. In addition, Insulin levels of subclinically hypothyroid patients are higher than normal controls. Mean total and LDL-cholesterol levels of subclinically hypothyroid patients are also higher.

Researchers concluded that the resulting low grade inflammation, associated with fasting hyperinsulinemia, may be a predictor of later insulin resistancein patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Source: Alpaslan Tuzcu, et. al. "Subclinical Hypothyroidism may be Associated with Elevated High-sensitive C-Reactive Protein (Low Grade Inflammation) and Fasting Hyperinsulinemia" Endocr J Vol. 52: 89-94, (2005) .