Clinical Characteristics and Related Risk Factors of Thyroid Dysfunction in LADA Patients: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.

Objective: The aim of our study was to further explore the clinical characteristics and related risk factors of thyroid dysfunction in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) patients in the Xuzhou region of Jiangsu, China, to facilitate early intervention and treatment.

Methods: It is conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study involving 95 hospitalized LADA patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2024 and April 2025. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of thyroid dysfunction: 39 LADA patients without thyroid dysfunction and 56 LADA patients with thyroid dysfunction. Data collection included clinical indicators and thyroid function assessments. Correlation analysis and univariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed on the study data.

Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting C-peptide (FCP), postprandial 2-hour C-peptide (P2hCP), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), and insulin autoantibody (IAA). Correlation analysis revealed that FCP was positively correlated with P2hCP and FT3 but negatively correlated with IAA. FT3 was positively correlated with P2hCP and FT4. TPOAb was positively correlated with TGAb and TRAb. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that low levels of FCP, P2hCP, and FT3, as well as high levels of TPOAb and TGAb, were associated with thyroid dysfunction in LADA patients.

Conclusion: Lower FCP, P2hCP, and FT3 levels, along with higher TPOAb and TGAb levels, are associated with thyroid dysfunction in LADA patients. Therefore, it is recommended that LADA patients undergo screening for thyroid antibodies and FT3 at disease onset and every 1-2 years thereafter to minimize the risk of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, reassessment of pancreatic function every 3-6 months is advised to optimize the timing of insulin therapy.