Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction and Its Association with Metabolic Parameters among Adults Attending a General Medicine Clinic:  A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Dr . Saraswathi  Banavath; Dr. B. Chandra  Mohan; Dr. Praveen Kumar  Kavuri

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2690

Authors

Dr. Saraswathi Banavath Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. B. Chandra Mohan Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. Praveen Kumar Kavuri Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2690

Keywords:

Thyroid dysfunction, Subclinical hypothyroidism, Metabolic syndrome, Dyslipidemia, Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Abstract

Background:

Thyroid dysfunction is frequent in adult outpatient practice and may coexist with major metabolic abnormalities.

Objective:

To assess the pattern of thyroid dysfunction and its association with metabolic parameters among adults attending a General Medicine clinic.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study included 100 adults attending the General Medicine clinic at Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India, from January to December 2025. Demographic details, anthropometry, thyroid profile, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile were recorded. Participants were classified as euthyroid or having thyroid dysfunction. Metabolic parameters were compared using the independent t-test and chi-square test.

Results:

The mean age was 43.8 ± 12.6 years, and 58.0% were females. Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 38.0%; subclinical hypothyroidism was most common (20.0%), followed by overt hypothyroidism (10.0%), subclinical hyperthyroidism (5.0%), and overt hyperthyroidism (3.0%). Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent among females than males (46.6% vs. 26.2%; χ²=4.28, p=0.039). Compared with euthyroid adults, those with thyroid dysfunction had higher BMI (28.1 ± 4.5 vs. 25.3 ± 3.8 kg/m², p=0.002), waist circumference (94.2 ± 11.1 vs. 86.8 ± 9.6 cm, p=0.001), HbA1c (6.5 ± 1.1% vs. 5.9 ± 0.8%, p=0.006), total cholesterol (207.8 ± 42.5 vs. 178.4 ± 34.6 mg/dL, p<0.001), triglycerides (181.9 ± 61.8 vs. 142.6 ± 52.4 mg/dL, p=0.001), and LDL cholesterol (130.6 ± 35.4 vs. 104.8 ± 28.7 mg/dL, p<0.001). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent with thyroid dysfunction (60.5% vs. 24.2%; χ²=13.20, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Thyroid dysfunction, mainly subclinical hypothyroidism, was common and significantly associated with adverse metabolic parameters.

Recommendations:

Thyroid screening should be considered in adults with obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome.

Author Biographies

Dr. Saraswathi Banavath, Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.

MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of General Medicine. She completed her MBBS from PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, during 2008–2009 and obtained her MD from Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, in 2018. She has been recognized with the Best Doctor Award twice at the district level and twice at the medical college level. She has also presented a scientific paper at an International Geriatric Conference held in Delhi. Her academic and clinical interests include general medicine, geriatric care, metabolic disorders, and patient-centered clinical research. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4343-3075

Dr. B. Chandra Mohan, Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India. He is engaged in clinical services, medical education, and research-oriented academic work in general medicine. His clinical and academic interests include thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and integrated care of adult patients in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Dr. Praveen Kumar Kavuri, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Medicine, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, Telangana, India. He is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching, clinical patient care, and academic activities in the field of general medicine. His areas of professional interest include metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, cardiovascular risk assessment, and evidence-based management of adult medical conditions.

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