Thyroid disorders and renal impairment among patients with diabetes mellitus: a hospital-based study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with multiple endocrine and renal complications, including thyroid dysfunction and renal impairment. However, evidence on the coexistence of these conditions and their associated factors among patients with diabetes in Ethiopia, particularly in military referral hospitals, remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders and renal impairment and identify factors associated with these conditions among patients with DM attending the Ethiopian Armed Force Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 3–July 28, 2024 among adult patients with type 1 or type 2 DM attending the diabetic outpatient clinics of the Ethiopian Armed Force Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A census sampling approach was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire, clinical record review, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory investigations. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with thyroid disorders and renal impairment. Associations were reported using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Among the 216 participants, 47 had thyroid disorders, giving an overall prevalence of 21.8% (95% CI: 16.8–27.7%), while renal impairment was identified in 38 participants, corresponding to a prevalence of 17.6% (95% CI: 13.1–23.2%). Female sex (AOR = 7.6, 95% CI: 2.7–14.9), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4–5.3), and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 1.4–14.6) were independently associated with higher odds of thyroid disorders. Poor glycemic control was also associated with higher odds of thyroid disorders (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–10.0). Older age (AOR = 7.5, 95% CI: 1.9–14.4), hypertension (AOR = 10.9, 95% CI: 2.1–31.8), and poor glycemic control (AOR = 12.5, 95% CI: 2.3–18.2) were independently associated with higher odds of renal impairment. Approximately one in five patients with DM had thyroid disorders, while nearly one in six had renal impairment. Female sex, T2DM, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , and poor glycemic control were associated with thyroid disorders, while older age, hypertension, and poor glycemic control were associated with renal impairment. Integrating appropriate thyroid and kidney function assessment with effective glycemic and cardiovascular risk-factor management may help strengthen comprehensive diabetes care in similar clinical settings. Not applicable.