Background: The two most common endocrinopathies are diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid diseases (TD), which frequently coexist and influence each other. Thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients can help clinicians to provide the best treatment for metabolic disorders, as thyroid abnormalities like hypothyroidism can make achieving glucose targets and other comorbidities difficult.
Objective: The aim of the current work was to detect prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes outpatient clinic at Mansoura Medical Specialized Hospital and their association with cardiovascular risk factors.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 100 type 2 diabetic patients aged 35-55years, attending at Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital (SMH) and 50 normal healthy controls. The included subjects were divided into two groups; Group 1 (diabetics) consisted of 100 patients, and Group 2 (control) consisted of 50 normal healthy individuals matched in age, sex with group 1.
Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the mean BMI, SBP and W/H ratio in (Group 1) compared to (Group 2). The median duration of diabetes mellitus in the group 1 was 9 years (1-25). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean serum triacylglycerols (TG), serum LDL and serum cholesterol levels in (Group 1) compared to (Group 2). There was a significant difference between studied groups with higher percentage of normal thyroid among group 2 (90% versus 71%) (P < 0.05) .and significant higher percentage of subclinical hypothyroidism in (Group 1) as compared to (Group 2).
Conclusion: It could be concluded that thyroid dysfunction is frequently developed among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Screening for the thyroid functions among diabetic patients is needed to prevent cardiovascular risks.