Study of Thyroid Function Tests and Inflammatory Markers (White Blood Cell Count and High-sensitivity C-reactive...

Prediabetes represents a transitional state in glucose metabolism with an increasing global and national prevalence, particularly in India. Recent evidence suggests that both thyroid dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation may play pivotal roles in the progression of prediabetes to overt Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thyroid hormones regulate glucose metabolism, while inflammatory markers such as white blood cell (WBC) count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are indicators of systemic inflammation often elevated in metabolic disorders.

This study aimed to evaluate thyroid function and inflammatory markers in prediabetic individuals, assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, and analyze the correlation between thyroid parameters and inflammatory markers.

A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra, enrolling 200 participants (130 prediabetics and 70 age- and sex-matched controls). Thyroid function tests (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], Total T3 and T4), thyroid antibodies, WBC count, and hs-CRP levels were analyzed and compared between groups. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate correlations and significance.

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly elevated TSH levels, was more prevalent in prediabetic individuals compared to controls. A significant proportion of prediabetic patients exhibited elevated hs-CRP and WBC counts, indicating underlying low-grade inflammation. A positive correlation was observed between TSH levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting a possible link between early thyroid dysfunction and systemic inflammation in prediabetic states.

Prediabetes is associated with both subclinical thyroid abnormalities and elevated inflammatory markers, highlighting the need for comprehensive metabolic screening in this population. Early identification and management of thyroid and inflammatory dysfunction may offer an opportunity to delay or prevent the onset of T2DM and its complications.