Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
06:46

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19

Published on: July 5, 2022

Thyroid function in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus

Chao-Hsu Lin1, Yann-Jinn Lee, Chi-Yu Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No. 92, Sec. 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan.

Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|October 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with type 1 diabetes significantly alters thyroid function tests. These thyroid abnormalities are reversible with good diabetic control, suggesting selective thyroid testing at diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Diabetology
  • Thyroidology

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in children can be complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
  • Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with diabetes mellitus.
  • The impact of DKA on thyroid hormone indices in pediatric type 1 diabetes requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate thyroid hormone indices in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, comparing those with and without DKA to healthy siblings.
  • To determine if DKA influences thyroid function tests and if these changes are reversible.

Main Methods:

  • Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, free T4, FTI, TSH) were measured in 138 children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (76 with DKA, 62 without DKA) and 35 healthy siblings.
  • Measurements were taken within 3 days of diagnosis and during follow-up (1 month to 2 years) after diabetes treatment.

Main Results:

  • Children with DKA showed significantly lower levels of T3, T4, free T4, and FTI compared to non-DKA and control groups.
  • Children without DKA had lower T3 levels than controls, but T4, free T4, and FTI did not differ significantly.
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were similar across all three groups.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis significantly alters thyroid function measurements in children with type 1 diabetes.
  • Abnormal thyroid function tests associated with DKA are reversible with improved glycemic control, in the absence of underlying thyroid disease.
  • Thyroid function testing at initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes should be reserved for patients with suspected thyroid disorders.

More Related Videos

A High-Throughput Electrochemiluminescence 7-Plex Assay Simultaneously Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Autoimmune Diseases06:50

A High-Throughput Electrochemiluminescence 7-Plex Assay Simultaneously Screening for Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Autoimmune Diseases

Published on: May 29, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...