THE THYROID-GLUCOSE NEXUS: INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID HORMONAL IMBALANCE AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus are common endocrine disorders that impact each other's diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To investigate the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and impaired glucose tolerance. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved 72 patients with thyroid dysfunction. Patients underwent oral glucose tolerance tests after a 10-14 hour fast. The test begins with a measurement of fasting blood sugar levels, followed by consumption of a drink containing 75 grams of glucose. Timing starts upon ingestion of the glucose solution, and a blood sample is obtained exactly 2 hours later. The blood glucose concentration is then measured using an enzymatic method to determine the body's ability to regulate glucose levels. Results: Hypothyroidism was more prevalent (61%) than hyperthyroidism (39%). The overall prevalence of diabetes was 2.8%, impaired glucose tolerance was 27.8%, and normal glucose tolerance was 69.4%. Hypothyroidism patients had higher impaired glucose tolerance (36.3%) and diabetes (4.6%) rates than hyperthyroidism patients. A statistically significant association was found between thyroid dysfunction and impaired glucose tolerance