A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is rapidly emerging as a major public health problem in India, with an estimated prevalence exceeding 100 million individuals. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the common endocrine disorders encountered among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Alterations in thyroid hormones significantly influence carbohydrate metabolism, insulin secretion, and peripheral insulin sensitivity. The coexistence of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes may contribute to poor glycemic control and increased cardiovascular risk. To determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus attending Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, and to evaluate the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and glycemic control. A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months from September 2024 to February 2026 in the Department of General Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. A total of 130 patients with T2DM fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Detailed history, clinical examination, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, FT3, FT4 and TSH measurements were performed. Among the 130 study participants, 111 (85.4%) were euthyroid while 19 (14.6%) had thyroid dysfunction. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common abnormality observed in 10 patients (7.7%), followed by overt hypothyroidism in 7 patients (5.4%) and hyperthyroidism in 2 patients (1.5%). Thyroid dysfunction was more common among females and was significantly associated with poor glycemic control. Thyroid dysfunction is common among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly among females and those with poor glycemic control. Routine screening for thyroid abnormalities in diabetic patients may facilitate early diagnosis and improve overall metabolic outcomes.