Pattern of Dysglycemia in Patients with Thyroid Disorders: A Tertiary Institution’s Experience

Abstract

Background: Thyroid hormone plays an integral role in glucose metabolism. It affects glucose homeostasis by impacting on the pancreatic β-cell function hence glucose metabolism. This study therefore aims to determine the pattern of dysglycemia in patients with thyroid disorders attending the endocrine clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: A retrospective study on all thyroid patients presenting at Endocrine Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) from January 2021 to May 2022. The results were presented as descriptive data and continuous variables.

Results: About 46 patients’ data were incomplete due to poor record keeping and retrospective nature of the study. One hundred patients had complete data which was analyzed. Hyperthyroidism accounted for 66% of thyroid disorders in our Endocrine clinic while hypothyroidism accounted for 21%. Dysglycemia was found in 22.7% cases of hyperthyroidism compared to 14% of patient with hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: Dysglycemia is common in patients with thyroid disorder. Since thyroid disorder is a secondary cause of diabetes mellitus, we recommend early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.