Thyroid Dysfunction in Adults with Newly Detected Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus are common endocrine disorders that often coexist and can significantly impact each other’s management. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes be periodically screened for thyroid dysfunction due to the strong link between the two conditions. It is important for individuals to be aware of the risk factors for both conditions and to seek appropriate medical care if necessary, and for healthcare providers to consider testing for thyroid dysfunction in adults with newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to find out thyroid dysfunction in adults with newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the Departments of Medicine and Endocrinology at Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. The study period lasted six months, from May to October 2019. A total of 102 adult patients (above 20 years old) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus who were attending the Endocrinology and Medicine Outpatient Department participated in the study. Results: Out of 102 adults with newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus, the majority (86.3%) had normal thyroid function (euthyroid), while a smaller number (13.7%) had thyroid dysfunction. The most common subgroup of thyroid dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism (7.8%), followed by hypothyroidism (3.9%), subclinical thyrotoxicosis (1.0%), and hyperthyroidism (1.0%). The majority of the study population was male (66%) and from urban areas (88%), with a mean age of 45.1 years, a mean BMI of 25.0 kg/m2, and a mean waist circumference of 98.4 cm. About 45% had a family history of diabetes mellitus and 37% were smokers. The blood pressure of the study population was within normal limits. A minority (30%) had co-morbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and ischemic heart disease. The predictors of thyroid dysfunction were observed Age (OR=0.785), F/H of thyroid disorder (OR=0.495) BMI (OR=1.059), Anti-TPO Ab(OR= 0.021). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction and diabetes are commonly associated with each other and can impact clinical presentation and laboratory results. It is important to routinely screen for thyroid function in all patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to detect, treat, and prevent complications of both these conditions.