Thyroid Autoimmunity in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Vitamin D

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and autoimmune disorders. The association of vitamin D with T2DM and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has not been investigated. Thus, we aimed to explore the putative association between T2DM and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) focusing on the role of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D). Study population included 264 T2DM patients and 234 controls. To explore the potential association between 25(OH)D and thyroid autoimmunity while controlling for potential confounders—namely, age, gender, body mass index, and presence of T2DM—multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Patients with T2DM were younger (P < 0.001) and had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P < 0.001) and higher anti-TPO titers (P = 0.005). Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that T2DM and 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. In an elderly population of diabetic patients and controls with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, a patient with T2DM was found to be 2.5 times more likely to have thyroid autoimmunity compared to a nondiabetic individual and the higher the serum 25(OH)D levels were, the higher this chance was.

Frequency and determinants of thyroid autoimmunity in Ghanaian type 2 diabetes patients: a case-control study

“…Our study has shown a higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in Ghanaian T2DM subjects compared to controls with one in five T2DM subjects testing positive for thyroid autoimmunity compared to one in twenty seen among the controls. This finding is consistent with those of Akbar [4], Yasmin [25] and Konstantinos [26] who recorded significantly higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in T2DM subjects compared to controls, with prevalence ranging between 10% and 43% among T2DM subjects. On the contrary, Cardoso et al [4] and Afkhami-Ardekani et al [22] recorded no significant difference between the 2 groups.…”

Vitamin D and autoimmune thyroid diseases

“…In an elderly population with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency patients with type 2 diabetes were found to be 2.5 times more likely to have AITD compared to a nondiabetic individuals, but, interestingly, the higher the serum 25(OH)D 3 levels were, the higher this chance was (49). In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 25(OH)D 3 levels were significantly lower in subjects with AITD than in those without AITD (p = 0.02).…”

Вплив Додаткового Призначення Вітаміну D На Інсулінорезистентність У Хворих На Гіпотиреоз

“…The evidence is increasingly pointing towards vitamin D significant role in reducing the incidence of autoimmune diseases [1]. Over recent, numerous non-skeletal diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency have been reported including hypothyroidism [2].…”