Prevalence and Impact of Thyroid Disorders on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Diabetes and thyroid disorders (TD) are two prevalent endocrine conditions in adults. While the association between TD and type 1 diabetes is well documented, the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and TD remains unclear due to its complex mechanisms and the involvement of multiple variables. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TD in patients with T2DM referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2019. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 411 patients with T2DM. Data were collected using a checklist comprising demographic information (age, sex, type of drug used, duration of diabetes) and clinical and laboratory information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. Results: Among the 411 patients with T2DM, 352 (85.6%) had no TD, 38 (9.24%) had hypothyroidism, and 21 (5.10%) had hyperthyroidism. There were no significant differences among groups in terms of gender (P= 0.269), age (P= 0.154), fasting blood sugar (FBS) level (P= 0.196), type of treatment (P= 0.9), and duration of T2DM (P= 0.138). However, a significant relationship was found between TD and the average level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (P= 0.021). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant prevalence of TD among patients with T2DM, particularly noting the impact on HbA1c levels. Regular screening for TD in patients with T2DM is recommended to improve glycemic control and overall diabetes management. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking TD and T2DM and to develop targeted interventions.