Prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction among adults with metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional observational study.

Dr.Kannekanti Murali  Krishna; Dr. Ramakrishna  Kunti; Dr. Ch. Sara  Smitha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2235

Authors

Dr.Kannekanti Murali Krishna Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India.
Dr. Ramakrishna Kunti Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Qutubullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.
Dr. Ch. Sara Smitha Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Qutubullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2235

Keywords:

Metabolic syndrome, Thyroid dysfunction, Subclinical hypothyroidism, Cardiometabolic risk, Endocrine profile

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome is linked with endocrine disturbances, including thyroid dysfunction, which may influence metabolic control and cardiovascular risk. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction among patients with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 100 adults who met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. Thyroid function was evaluated using serum TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels. Thyroid status was classified as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, or overt hyperthyroidism. Clinical details, metabolic parameters, and the number of metabolic syndrome components present were recorded. Data were analyzed, and results were presented using descriptive statistics.

Results

Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 36% of the study population. The most common abnormality was subclinical hypothyroidism (22%), followed by overt hypothyroidism (8%). Hyperthyroid patterns were less frequent (subclinical hyperthyroidism 4%, overt hyperthyroidism 2%). Females showed a significantly higher prevalence of dysfunction (57.1%) compared to males (20.7%). The age group of 40–59 years demonstrated the highest proportion of thyroid abnormalities (40.4%). A rising trend of thyroid dysfunction was noted with increasing metabolic load: 25.5% in those with three metabolic components, 45.7% with four components, and 60.0% with five components. These findings indicate a close association between metabolic burden and thyroid imbalance, as reflected by a significant positive correlation between BMI and TSH levels (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and a significant inverse correlation between waist–hip ratio and serum T3 levels (r = −0.36, p = 0.002)

Conclusion

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, is common among patients with metabolic syndrome and is associated with female sex, middle age, and greater clustering of metabolic components.

Recommendations

Routine screening of thyroid function should be considered in patients with metabolic syndrome. Clinicians should maintain a proactive approach in counseling, early follow-up, and lifestyle modification to minimize disease progression.

Author Biographies

Dr.Kannekanti Murali Krishna , Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India.

completed his MBBS from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (1990–1996). He later pursued an MD in General Medicine at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar (2015–2018). He has been actively engaged in clinical practice and medical education, with experience in managing a wide spectrum of internal medicine conditions. His academic interests include chronic disease management, cardiovascular medicine, and the training of medical students and residents. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College, Siddipet.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3057-8271

Dr. Ramakrishna Kunti , Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Qutubullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.

completed his MBBS from Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad (1998–2004). He later pursued an MD in General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad (2013–2016). With a strong clinical and academic background, he has been actively involved in teaching, patient care, and mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees. His areas of interest include internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and evidence-based clinical practice. He is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College, Qutubullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1985-0606

Dr. Ch. Sara Smitha , Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Qutubullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.

completed her MBBS from Guntur Medical College, Guntur (1995–2001) and later pursued MD in General Medicine at the same institution (2012–2015). She is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College, Quthbullapur. She is actively involved in teaching, clinical care, and mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Her areas of interest include internal medicine practice, chronic disease management, and evidence-based patient care.

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