Author/Authors :
Samadi، Roghaieh نويسنده Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Shafiei، Babak نويسنده Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Azizi، Fereidoun نويسنده Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Ghasemi، Ali Asghar نويسنده ,
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.
