The clinical implications of the interaction between hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in T2DM patients and its relationship with lipid profiles and clinical parameters. The results indicate that 82% of the T2DM patients did not have hypothyroidism, whereas 18% had hypothyroidism. People with both conditions had a higher average body mass index (BMI) of 32.1 ± 6.1 kg/m² than those with only T2DM did (mean: 34.4 ± 6.8 kg/m², p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the hypothyroid group presented higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (mean: 10.1% vs. 5.48%, p < 0.001). Compared with T2DM patients without hypothyroidism, T2DM patients with hypothyroidism presented significantly poorer lipid profiles, with lower high-density lipoprotein and higher low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. T2DM patients with hypothyroidism had a greater prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (average: 28.2 ± 20.0 ng/mL) than control patients did (average: 59.5 ± 11.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). In conclusion, T2DM with hypothyroidism is associated with poorer metabolic indicators than those of T2DM patients without hypothyroidism. Individuals who have both conditions have an increased BMI, higher FBS levels, poorer lipid profiles, and decreased vitamin D levels. These results highlight the importance of implementing specific management plans for T2DM patients who also have hypothyroidism.