Thyroid alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is one of the world's leading non-communicable diseases. It leads to alterations in glucose metabolism due to the low availability of insulin or resistance to its action. Recent studies indicate that there is a relationship between diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction, mediated by disturbances in the hypothalamus - pituitary - thyroid axis, and reduced deiodinase activity, synergism of mitogenic routes, increased inflammatory status, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. The most frequent alteration is subclinical hypothyroidism and it occurs more frequently in women, so it is suggested to periodically perform the thyroid profile to these patients. It is necessary that in clinical practice these implications are taken into account in order to provide timely treatment, improve complications such as cardiovascular disease and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.