Assessment of Thyroid Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder frequently associated with endocrine

abnormalities, among which thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common. Thyroid hormones influence

carbohydrate metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis. The coexistence of thyroid dysfunction

with diabetes mellitus may adversely affect glycemic control and increase the risk of diabetic complications.

Aim: To study the thyroid function tests in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Objectives: To estimate the levels of thyroid function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methodology: The present hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 120

patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care centre. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria

were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations including

thyroid function tests such as serum T3, T4, and TSH were performed. Data were analyzed using appropriate

statistical methods, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of patients belonged to the 51–60 years age group (35.0%). Females constituted 56.7% of

the study population. Thyroid dysfunction was present in 25.8% of patients, while 74.2% were euthyroid.

Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid abnormality observed in 16.7% of patients, followed

by hypothyroidism in 6.7% and hyperthyroidism in 2.5%. Thyroid dysfunction was more common among

females compared to males, although the association was statistically insignificant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with subclinical

hypothyroidism being the predominant abnormality. Routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in diabetic

patients may help in early diagnosis and better metabolic management.