Abstract

Glycation is considered to be the main molecular basis of several diabetic complications. Association between chronic hyperglycaemia and the development of long-term diabetic-specific complications have been reported but are yet to be completely understood. In this study, the effect of glycaemic control on pituitary gonadotrophins (FSH and LH) was evaluated in male and female diabetics in Enugu, Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty four (240) diabetic patients (92 males and 148 females) within the age range of 31 – 73 years, who were receiving treatment, were randomly recruited for the study. One hundred and thirty four (134) age- and sex-matched apparently healthy volunteers (44 males and 90 females) were recruited as the control subjects. The study subjects were grouped into three categories: Male population (40-72 years), Group A Female population (<50 years) and Group B Female population (≥50 years). The impact of glycaemic control on various parameters was evaluated by classifying the diabetic patients into 3 subgroups on the basis of their HbA1c levels: Good (HbA1c < 7%), Fair (HbA1c 7 to 8%) and (Poor HbA1c > 8 %) glycaemic status. Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, FSH and LH were determined for all the subjects. The results obtained revealed that the male diabetics had significantly lower (p<0.05) FSH levels when compared with the control subjects. In the two groups of female diabetic subjects, the FSH levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) when compared with their respective control subjects. The glycaemic control evaluation and correlation of HbA1c with the gonadotrophins in the male diabetic population show no statistically significant results. However, in the female diabetic population, subjects with poor glycaemic status show significantly increased (p<0.001) LH levels compared to those with good glycaemic control. In addition, in group B female diabetic population, HbA1c gave significant positive correlation with both FSH (r=0.261, p=0.014) and LH (r = 0.338, p<0.001). This suggests that there is a direct relationship between HbA1c and the gonadotrophic hormones. As glycaemic control is compromised, these hormones tend to increase. This study generally reveals increasing trend in the levels of the gonadotrophins across the different glycaemic status. It can be concluded that good glycaemic control of diabetes can exert better influences on pituitary gonadotrophins.

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