Evaluating Thyroid Hormones and Glycemic Parameters in Diabetic Patients: Insights from Kirkuk Governorate

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia, associated with significant morbidity through complications including cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and systemic inflammation. Co-occurring hyperthyroidism further disrupts glucose homeostasis and protein metabolism, potentially amplifying oxidative stress and worsening clinical outcomes.

Objective: To investigate molecular pathways underlying diabetes complications by evaluating plasma protein parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic patients with and without hyperthyroidism, compared with healthy controls.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study measuring serum levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin alongside oxidative stress biomarkers including free amines, thiols, and protein carbonyls across three groups: healthy controls, diabetic patients without hyperthyroidism, and diabetic patients with co-occurring hyperthyroidism.

Results: Significant intergroup differences were observed in both protein and oxidative stress parameters. Diabetic patients demonstrated altered albumin and globulin levels relative to controls, reflecting dysregulated protein synthesis and catabolism. The presence of concurrent hyperthyroidism further exacerbated these derangements, with notably elevated carbonyl levels and reduced thiol concentrations indicating heightened oxidative protein modification. Free amine profiles similarly diverged across groups, consistent with accelerated proteolytic activity.

Conclusion: Co-existing hyperthyroidism in diabetic patients substantially amplifies biochemical abnormalities in protein metabolism and oxidative stress beyond those attributable to diabetes alone. These findings identify measurable molecular targets particularly oxidative stress mediators and plasma protein fractions that may inform novel therapeutic strategies directed at mitigating protein oxidation and restoring metabolic homeostasis in this high-risk patient population.