Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic dysregulation: A cross-sectional study of hormonal and glycemic parameters
Pronoy Kumer Sarker
Pronoy Kumer Sarker, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Popular Diagnostic Centre Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nisat Sultana
Nisat Sultana, Department of Microbiology, Stemz Health Care Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Hafizul Islam
Hafizul Islam, Department of Transfusion Services, The Ohio State University- Wexner Medical Center, USA
Md Samiul Bashir
Md Samiul Bashir, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Health Technology, Kurigram, Bangladesh
Md. Sujon Ali
Md. Sujon Ali, Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/mmr.v3i2.10227
Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction; metabolic dysregulation; hypothyroidism; glycemic control; dyslipidemia
Abstract
Background: Thyroid dysfunction, encompassing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, has been implicated in metabolic dysregulation, including disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism. Given the rising global prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, understanding the interplay between thyroid hormones and metabolic health is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic parameters in a clinical population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetic Care Center, Dhaka, from January to June 2023, involving 140 adult participants. Thyroid function (TSH, FT₃, FT₄), glycemic markers (FBG, ABF, HbA1c), and lipid profiles were assessed. Statistical analyses included correlation tests and multivariate regression to evaluate relationships between thyroid and metabolic parameters.
Results: The study revealed that hypothyroid participants had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (124.7 ± 18.9 mg/dL vs. 108.3 ± 14.5 mg/dL, p < 0.01), postprandial glucose (165.5 ± 25.4 mg/dL vs. 143.9 ± 20.2 mg/dL, p < 0.01), and HbA1c (7.4 ± 1.3% vs. 6.5 ± 1.1%, p < 0.01) compared to euthyroid individuals. Additionally, hypothyroidism was associated with elevated total cholesterol (218.6 ± 34.5 mg/dL vs. 190.4 ± 28.6 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and LDL (141.7 ± 27.8 mg/dL vs. 119.5 ± 23.3 mg/dL, p < 0.05), alongside reduced HDL (39.2 ± 7.3 mg/dL vs. 44.7 ± 8.9 mg/dL, p = 0.04). Hyperthyroid patients also exhibited metabolic disturbances, including higher FBG (116.1 ± 16.8 mg/dL) and triglycerides (176.5 ± 38.7 mg/dL). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between TSH and HbA1c (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), reinforcing the role of thyroid dysfunction in metabolic dysregulation.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is significantly associated with impaired glycemic control and dyslipidemia. Routine thyroid screening in metabolic disorder patients and integrated management strategies are recommended to mitigate cardiovascular and diabetic risks.
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