A Study on the Correlation Between Visceral Adiposity Index, Fatty Liver Index, and Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: This study explores the correlations between visceral adiposity index, fatty liver indices and thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was carried out between January 2021 and December 2022, encompassing 131 adult out-patients. Patients with other endocrine diseases, severe hepatic or renal insufficiency, or recent use of thyroid-affecting medications were excluded. Clinical and laboratory data, including body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profiles, liver function markers, and thyroid function tests, were collected.

Results: Blood tests showed hepatic injury markers, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and adverse lipid profiles, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein, significantly increased across fatty liver indices quartiles (P < 0.05), reflecting hepatocellular injury. Waist circumference and body mass index also increased significantly with higher fatty liver indices quartiles. Similarly, visceral adiposity index showed strong correlations with metabolic parameters, including elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglycerides levels (P < 0.05). Regarding thyroid function, TSH levels increased to some extent (P = 0.068), suggesting a potential link between fatty liver and hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of visceral fat accumulation and liver fat deposition in contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic imbalances among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Clinicians and public health departments should promote early identification and intervention of visceral fat accumulation and fatty liver as tools to prevent metabolic syndrome and related diseases.