The Prevalence of Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Admitted to Imam and Golestan Hospitals, Ahvaz, in 2020-2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and thyroid disorders are common endocrine disorders. It seems that T2DM and thyroid gland dysfunctions are interlinked and influence each other. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism (OH) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in type 2 diabetic patients admitted to Imam and Golestan Hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran.

This retrospective study was performed by studying the records of type 2 diabetic patients admitted to Imam Khomeini and Golestan Hospitals, Ahvaz, in 2020-2021. A total of 420 T2DM patients were evaluated using thyroid function tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). OH was considered at TSH levels of ≥ 10 mIU/mL and T4 below normal range, and SCH was considered at TSH levels of <5 mIU / mL and normal T4.

Of the patients, 34 (8.1%) had OH, and 61 (14.5%) had SCH. OH and SCH were more common in females than in males (P<0.0001). The frequency of OH and SCH was not significantly different based on age groups, weight groups, type of diabetes treatment, duration of diabetes, serum vitamin D level, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

This study showed a high prevalence of OH and SCH in patients, particularly women, with T2DM. Therefore, patients, predominantly females, with T2DM should be routinely screened for hypothyroidism.