Association Between Plasma Thyroid Hormone Concentration and Hepatic Triglyceride Content in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background:

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and hepatic fat homeostasis. Alterations in thyroid hormone levels may contribute to hepatic triglyceride accumulation and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective:

To evaluate the association between plasma thyroid hormone concentration and hepatic triglyceride content in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 90 patients with T2DM evaluated over a 10-month period. Patients were categorized into a low T3 group (n=40) and a normal T3 group (n=50) based on plasma triiodothyronine levels. Hepatic triglyceride content was assessed using imaging studies, and demographic and clinical variables, including age and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. Group comparisons were performed using the independent t-test.

 Results:

 Patients with low T3 levels had significantly higher hepatic triglyceride content compared with those with normal T3 levels (18.2 ± 3.7% vs. 12.4 ± 2.7%, p<0.001). Plasma T3 concentrations were significantly lower in the low T3 group (2.77 ± 0.29 pg/mL) than in the normal T3 group (3.57 ± 0.34 pg/mL, p<0.001). No significant difference in age was observed between the groups (56.0 ± 8.2 vs. 54.2 ± 7.5 years, p=0.290), while BMI showed borderline statistical significance (29.2 ± 2.6 vs. 27.9 ± 3.1 kg/m², p=0.051).

 Conclusion:

 Lower plasma T3 concentrations are associated with increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation in patients with T2DM, suggesting a potential role of thyroid function in the development of hepatic steatosis.

 Recommendation:

Routine thyroid function assessment may help identify diabetic patients at increased risk of hepatic steatosis and guide early intervention strategies.