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World J Diabetes. Dec 15, 2014; 5(6): 901-904
Published online Dec 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i6.901
Published online Dec 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i6.901
Diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism: Strange bedfellows or mutual companions?
Barry I Joffe, Larry A Distiller, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2198, South Africa
Author contributions: Joffe BI and Distiller LA contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Barry I Joffe, DSc, FCP (SA), FRCP (London), Professor, Emeritus Professor and Physician, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, PO Box 2900, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2198, South Africa. barry@cdecentre.co.za
Telephone: +27-11-7126000 Fax: +27-11-7286661
Received: July 6, 2014
Revised: October 14, 2014
Accepted: October 23, 2014
Published online: December 15, 2014
Revised: October 14, 2014
Accepted: October 23, 2014
Published online: December 15, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Clinicians should be cognisant of the close relationship that exists between two of the commonest endocrine disorders, primary hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. This applies to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However the association is greater in type 1 diabetes, probably due to shared autoimmune predisposition. In type 2 diabetes, the connection is more complex. Biochemical screening for thyroid dysfunction in patients with diabetes is advised.