Thyroid Disorders in Type 2 Diabetics in India: A Real-world Evidence-based Study

Background: In Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly seen. The circulating thyroid hormones have a significant effect on the metabolism of glucose, lipid, and protein. In the case of T2DM, glycaemic control can worsen due to this effect. In T2DM patients, hyperglycemia can occur due to worsening diabetes mellitus because of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis and can increase the risk of complications of diabetes. T2DM also affects the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone by reducing it. It also impairs triiodothyronine (T3) conversion from thyroxine (T4) in the peripheral tissues. If T2DM is poorly managed, it can lead to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. It is important to carry out more studies to clarify the relationship between thyroid disorders and T2DM. Objective: To understand the interdependent relationship between TD, T2DM, and hypertension. Material and methods: Retrospective, single-center, observational study conducted on anonymized patient data captured from electronic medical records (EMR). The demographic and clinical profile of T2DM patients were noted along with the thyroid test lab values available for the diabetic patients in the records. Results: A high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was found in T2DM diabetics than found in the normal population. In the present study, hypothyroidism was found to be more in T2DM patients as compared to hypothyroidism. Conclusion: An increased prevalence of TD is being seen in T2DM patients and can worsen each other's function. A more systematic approach is needed for thyroid testing considering the clinical implications of the coexistence of TD and T2DM.