Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association With Body Fat Mass Index
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Nabilah Farhana Hamidi
1
;
Nur Aini Eddy Warman
1
;
Rohana Abdul Ghani
1
;
Xin Wee Chen
2
Author Information
1. Endocrine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
2. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2;
Prevalence;
Thyroid Gland;
Adipose Tissue
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):45-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and thyroid disorders are
common endocrine conditions with a bidirectional relationship affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. Adiposity,
particularly fat mass index (FMI), may influence thyroid
function. but its association with thyroid dysfunction and
glycemic control remains unclear, especially in Malaysia.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid
dysfunction in T2DM and its association with glycemic
control and FMI at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients
with T2DM attending the Endocrine Clinic, UiTM, from
December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 91 participants
aged 18–70 years were recruited using convenience
sampling. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and
laboratory data were collected. Thyroid dysfunction was
defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.38 or
>5.33 mIU/L. Body composition was assessed using the
InBody 380 to determine FMI. Data were analyzed using
SPSS version 30 with descriptive statistics and Pearson
correlation.
Results:The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients
with T2DM was 7.7% (7/91), predominantly with low
TSH levels. Mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the overall
study population was 7.59 ± 1.49%, and mean TSH was
1.42 ± 0.95 mIU/L, within the euthyroid range. Mean FMI
was 11.95 ± 5.23 kg/m², exceeding normal ranges for both
men (3–6 kg/m²) and women (5–9 kg/m²). FMI showed a
positive correlation with TSH level (r = 0.379, p <0.001), indicating that higher adiposity was associated with
higher TSH levels despite remaining within the euthyroid
range. Pearson correlation showed a weak, non-significant
negative correlation between HbA1c and TSH (r = −0.127,
p = 0.229).
Conclusion:The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients with
T2DM in our cohort was relatively low at 7.7%. However,
the significant correlation between FMI and TSH level, even
within the euthyroid range, suggests that adiposity may
exert a clinically relevant influence on thyroid function.
- Full text:2026073010444968578EP_A046.pdf
