Investigating the connection among thyroid function, sensitivity to thyroid hormones, and metabolic syndrome in euthyroid children and adolescents affected by type 1 diabetes

Objectives: A connection between thyroid hormones (THs) and diverse metabolic pathways has been reported. We evaluated thyroid function and tissue sensitivity to THs in children and adolescents with T1D in comparison to euthyroid controls. Additionally, we investigate whether a relationship exists between sensitivity indices and metabolic parameters. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 pediatric patients diagnosed with T1D. Clinical parameters, TSH, FT3, FT4, and the presence of MS were documented. Additionally, indices of peripheral sensitivity (FT3/FT4 ratio) and central sensitivity (TSH index, TSHI; TSH T4 resistance index, TT4RI; TSH T3 resistance index, TT3RI) were assessed. Thirty healthy subjects were considered as controls. Results: The overall prevalence of MS was 7.27 %, with MS identified in 8 out of 80 (10 %) T1D subjects; none of the controls manifested MS (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed in indexes of tissue sensitivity to THs between subjects with or without MS (all p>0.05). Correlations between THs and indexes of THs tissue sensitivity and metabolic parameters in controls and T1D patients were noted. Conclusions: This study affirms a heightened prevalence of MS in children with T1D compared to controls and underscores the potential role of THs in maintaining metabolic equilibrium.