The Prevalence of Associated Autoimmune Diseases Among Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and other autoimmune diseases has been known; however, the actual prevalence in the adult population nor clinical symptoms has not been determined locally. ObjectivesWe aim to determine the prevalence of associated autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease (CD), and adrenal insufficiency (AI)) and evaluate the most reporting symptoms and glycemic control assessment, as well as microvascular complications and hypoglycemia episodes. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 251 patients with T1DM at the diabetic clinic of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-RD), Saudi Arabia, was conducted. Autoimmune serologies including thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody and tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) antibody were checked with hormonal studies such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), morning serum cortisol, and short Synacthen test (SST) with duodenal biopsy results all were reviewed if present. Patients were directly interviewed to evaluate for the most common symptoms (including hypoglycemia episodes) for the preceding two weeks. Glycemic control was assessed by measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Microvascular complications (i.e., nephropathy and retinopathy) were estimated by looking at the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) besides the ophthalmology's visit notes.

Autoimmune diseases and their prevalence in Saudi Arabian patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

“…However, one study in King Abdulaziz Medical City Diabetic Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the aim of estimating the prevalence of autoimmune diseases associated with T1DM among the adult age group found that of the 251 T1DM patients screened, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 16.3%, TPO positivity was found in 58.6% of diabetic patients, and 16.5% of adult subjects had CD. 16 The research aims to assess the prevalence of autoimmune diseases associated with T1DM across adult, adolescent, and pediatric age groups in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, given the lack of available local data on the subject. Moreover, the predominant focus of prior research has been limited to examining the correlation between CD and thyroid disorders.…”