2024, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A

Background: Clinically, diabetes and thyroid illnesses are the most frequent endocrine disorders. Longstanding links have been found between thyroid problems and type 1 diabetes mellitus. To some extent, type 1 Diabetes mellitus impacts thyroid function testing, although thyroid hormones regulate carbohydrate metabolism and pancreatic function.

Objectives: To assess thyroid function in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients as part of autoimmune association.

Method: A case-control study. The study included 50 children with T1DM (27 males and 23 female) aged 7.20±1.53 (4-10) years. The average diabetes duration was 2.84±1.46 years. The study comprised 50 children (25 males and 25 female) aged 6.32±1.39 (4-10) years as normal controls. Blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), and growth parameters (weight and height) are examined in T1DM patients to determine the cause of thyroid hormone dysfunction. Mini Vidas immunoassay analyzer with Enzyme Linked Fluorescence Assay (ELFA) measures TSH, TT4 and TT3 levels, while Glucometer (ACCU-CHEK® Active) measures blood glucose.

Results: In a study comparing thyroid function among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients and non-diabetic controls, significant alterations were observed in T1DM patients, with 18% exhibiting elevated TSH levels and 6% showing reduced TT3 levels. Further subgroup analysis revealed notable differences based on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes, insulin therapy regularity, frequency of diabetes clinic visits, and the presence of chronic diseases like asthma and celiac disease. Specifically, irregular insulin therapy, infrequent clinic visits, and the presence of chronic diseases were associated with higher TSH and lower TT3 concentrations, highlighting the impact of diabetes management and comorbid conditions on thyroid function in T1DM patients.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that type I diabetics without clinical symptoms may benefit from TSH and TT3 measurement to detect thyroid impairment early.