Radioactive iodine therapy and glucose tolerance

ABSTRACT

Radioactive iodine therapy is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy in follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma [PTC] and in the treatment of Graves' disease [GD]. The basis of this therapy is the accumulation of radioactive iodine by the sodium-iodide symporter [NIS] in the thyroid gland. Expression of NIS by extrathyroidal tissues such as islets of pancreas has been reported. Radioactive iodine uptake by pancreatic beta-cells can potentially damage these cells. In this study, we discuss the possible associations between radioactive iodine and glucose intolerance. Overall, radioactive iodine uptake by the pancreas may damage beta-cells and predispose patients to glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients exposed to radioactive iodine therapy following total thyroidectomy. Further studies are needed to clarify and confirm this association