Prevalence of Thyroid Disease Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in the Sulaymaniyah Region, Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/imj.v9i3.1322Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Thyroid, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidismAbstract
Objective: determine the prevalence and types of thyroid dysfunction among adults with T2DM in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and identify associated risk factors.
Methods: Between November 2024 and July 2025, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 adults with T2DM attending private clinics in Sulaymaniyah. Thyroid status was based on documented diagnoses or abnormal thyroid function tests. Given its cross-sectional design, causal relationships could not be established.
Results: The mean age was 54.3 ± 8.2 years, and 54.4% were female. Thyroid dysfunction was present in 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2–7.1%), including hypothyroidism in 3.7% and hyperthyroidism in 1.8%. Women accounted for 83.6% of affected cases. Female sex predicted both hypothyroidism (OR 2.95, 95% CI: 1.13–7.74) and hyperthyroidism (OR 5.34, 95% CI: 1.12–25.49). A positive family history was a strong predictor (OR > 80, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, Age, diabetes duration, and glycemic control were not influential factors.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was relatively uncommon among T2DM patients, with hypothyroidism being predominant. Female sex and family history were the strongest predictors, supporting targeted screening of high-risk groups. Longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify causal relationships.
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