Thyroid dysfunction in subjects with type 1 diabetes at a tertiary care unit of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

BackgroundGenetic factors are involved in the development of T1D and studies have shown that the development of T1D also increases the risk of development of other autoimmune diseases. ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in subjects with type 1 diabetes. MethodologyThis study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), a tertiary care diabetes center of Karachi Pakistan from January 2005 to March 2017. Subject with type 1 diabetes (T1D) of all ages and both genders were included in the study. T1D was diagnosed on the basis of History, physical examination and relevant laboratory tests. The data of all registered patients was entered in a specially designed software. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was used as a screening test to assess thyroid dysfunction in subjects with type 1 diabetes. Further evaluation included FT4, T3 and thyroid antibodies where indicated. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 20. ResultsA total of 153 T1D subjects (67 male and 86 female) were included in the study. Out of 153 subjects, 23 (15.0%) had thyroid dysfunction of which 17 (11.1%) were found to have hypothyroidism (subclinical or clinical), 6 (3.9%) were hyperthyroid while 130(84.96%) subjects were having normal thyroid function. Statistical differences were found in body mass index and serum creatinine level among the different categories of thyroid dysfunction. The required dose of insulin was higher (but not significant) in subjects having hypothyroidism as compared to hyperthyroid or subjects with normal thyroid function. ConclusionHigh frequency of thyroid dysfunction was observed in subjects with T1D. Hypothyroidism was more common than hyperthyroidism. All subjects with T1D should be screened with TSH to evaluate for thyroid dysfunction.