Impact of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on outcomes in differentiated thyroid cancer with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a frequent comorbidity in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study evaluated the impact of glycemic control, particularly glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, on tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 302 DTC patients, including 58 (19.2%) with T2DM. Baseline demographic, clinical, and pathological data were collected. Treatment response was assessed as per American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. Logistic regression identified predictors of non-excellent response, and a subgroup analysis was performed among diabetic patients stratified by HbA1c (< 7% vs. ≥ 7%).

RESULTS

T2DM patients were older (p < 0.001), with more bilateral tumors (p = 0.047) and higher tumor foci (p = 0.039). Other tumor features were similar between groups. In multivariate analysis, both HbA1c[odds ratio (OR): 1.307, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.014-1.683, p = 0.038) and lymph node metastasis (OR: 3.932, 95% CI: 1.000-15.464, p = 0.050] independently predicted non-excellent response. Among diabetics, HbA1c ≥ 7% was associated with higher non-excellent response rates (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Poor glycemic control, rather than T2DM itself, was linked to suboptimal treatment response. HbA1c may serve as a simple prognostic marker in diabetic patients with DTC.