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Thyroid volume in type 1 diabetes patients without overt thyroid disease
G Bianchi1, P Montanari, A Fabbri
1Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, Università di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Italy.
Acta Diabetologica
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Type 1 diabetes patients often show increased thyroid volume and subtle morphological changes, even without overt thyroid disease. This suggests a broader autoimmune involvement beyond pancreatic islet cells.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Long-standing reports link insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1) with thyroid diseases.
- Previous morphological thyroid evaluations in type 1 diabetes patients were limited to physical exams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrasonographically assess thyroid volume and nodule prevalence in type 1 diabetes patients without overt thyroid disease.
- To compare these findings with age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland in 45 type 1 diabetes patients and 45 controls.
- Measurement of thyroid volume and assessment of thyroid nodules.
- Comparison of thyroid hormone levels and autoantibody prevalence.
Main Results:
- Average thyroid volume increased by 46% in type 1 diabetes patients.
- 35% of males and 32% of females had thyroid volumes exceeding control limits.
- Slightly increased prevalence of thyroid nodules and thyroid-microsomal antibodies observed.
- Four patients presented with overt hyperthyroidism; average free thyroxine was elevated.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 diabetes patients without overt thyroid disorders can exhibit ultrasonographically detectable thyroid alterations.
- These findings indicate potential thyroid involvement in the autoimmune process of type 1 diabetes.
- Subtle thyroid changes may reflect a systemic autoimmune condition extending beyond pancreatic islet cells.