Keywords
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders are common endocrine diseases that may frequently coexist and influence each other through complex metabolic, hormonal, and immunological mechanisms. The aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction, with particular attention to common pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and principles of management.
A review and analysis of scientific literature concerning the interaction between diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders were performed. The findings indicate that thyroid dysfunction may significantly affect glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and body weight in patients with diabetes mellitus. Hypothyroidism is mainly associated with reduced metabolic activity, weight gain, dyslipidemia, and increased insulin resistance, whereas hyperthyroidism may contribute to increased hepatic glucose production and impaired glycemic control.
The relationship is particularly important in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus because of the common autoimmune mechanisms underlying pancreatic β-cell destruction and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Laboratory assessment, including thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine measurements, together with glycemic and metabolic parameters, may facilitate early identification of thyroid abnormalities.
References
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2026 // Diabetes Care. - 2026. - Vol. 49, Suppl. 1. - P. S50–S60.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2026 // Diabetes Care. - 2026. - Vol. 49, Suppl. 1. - P. S297–S338.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2026 // Diabetes Care. - 2026. - Vol. 49, Suppl. 1.
Biondi B., Kahaly G.J., Robertson R.P. Thyroid Dysfunction and Diabetes Mellitus: Two Closely Associated Disorders // Endocrine Reviews. - 2019. - Vol. 40, No. 3. - P. 789–824.
Díez J.J., Iglesias P. An analysis of the relative risk of thyroid disease in type 2 diabetes // Diabetes Care. - 2012. - Vol. 35, No. 2. - P. 372–378.
Palma C.C.S., et al. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus // Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. - 2013. - Vol. 5. - Art. 58.
Kadiyala R., Peter R., Okosieme O.E. Thyroid dysfunction in patients with diabetes: clinical implications and screening strategies // International Journal of Clinical Practice. - 2010. - Vol. 64, No. 8. - P. 1130–1139.
Wang C. The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and related thyroid diseases // Journal of Diabetes Research. - 2013. - Vol. 2013. - Art. 390534.
Udovcic M., Pena R.H., Patham B., Tabatabai L., Kansara A. Hypothyroidism and the Heart // Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal. - 2017. - Vol. 13, No. 2. - P. 55–59.