Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Early identification and intervention of thyroid dysfunction which occurs in association with type-II diabetes mellitus may significantly reduce the risk of adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in such patients. Hence, this study analyzed the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes mellitus) patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was done on 250 T2DM patients, who visited the department of General Medicine in a tertiary care teaching center. Medical history was recorded and venous blood samples were collected for investigations (HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C), FBS (Fasting blood sugar), PPBS (Postprandial blood sugar), TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), T4 (Tetraiodothyronine), anti-TPO (Thyroid peroxidase), and fasting lipid profile). Thyroid dysfunction in patients with T2DM was considered as the primary outcome variable. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed using coGuide software, V.1.03. Results: Females (55.6%) outnumbered males (44.4%) in this study. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in our study was 23.6% (95%CI 0.184 to 0.293). Subclinical hypothyroidism was found in 67.79% (95%CI 0.543 to 0.793) participants, overt hypothyroidism in 27.11% (95%CI 0.163 to 0.402), and hyperthyroidism in 5.10% (95%CI 0.010 to 0.141). Females (84.6%) had significantly higher prevalence of anti-TPO positivity compared to males (15.4%)(p=0.013). Conclusions: Findings of this study showed that T2DM patients have higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction with predominance of subclinical hypothyroidism. Hence, this study emphasizes the importance of annual investigation of TSH levels in all the patients with T2DM. Keywords: Autoimmune Diseases, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid­Stimulating Hormone, Type II Diabetes Mellitus