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Association between thyroid dysfunction and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study
Mengmeng Zheng1, Xing Zhong1, Ping Zhang1
1Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Journal of Diabetes Investigation
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Hypothyroidism is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes patients. Higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels correlate with increased cognitive decline risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with various complications.
- Cognitive impairment is a growing concern in the T2DM population.
- The role of thyroid dysfunction in T2DM-related cognitive impairment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.
- To identify thyroid dysfunction as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 486 T2DM patients.
- Assessment of cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
- Categorization into euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid groups based on TSH and FT4 levels; multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Hypothyroidism was linked to significantly lower MoCA scores and higher cognitive impairment prevalence (P < 0.001).
- Hypothyroidism emerged as an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment (P = 0.002).
- Increasing TSH levels showed a dose-response relationship with increased cognitive impairment risk (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Hypothyroidism is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.
- Elevated TSH levels indicate a progressive risk for cognitive decline.
- Thyroid function screening is crucial for cognitive assessment and management in T2DM patients.
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