Parathyroid Surgery Reduces Diabetes Risk by 30% Through Hormonal Balance Correction

A recent comprehensive study led by researchers from the University of Hong Kong’s School of Clinical Medicine has demonstrated that surgical removal of overactive parathyroid glands, a procedure known as parathyroidectomy, can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes by approximately 30% in patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This condition, characterized by excess calcium in the blood, has long been associated with kidney stones and bone diseases. However, the new findings reveal an important link between PHPT and metabolic health, specifically its potential to impair blood sugar regulation.

The research analyzed electronic health records of more than 3,100 adult patients with PHPT in Hong Kong, tracking their health over a median of almost three years. Results indicated that those who underwent parathyroidectomy exhibited a substantially reduced likelihood of developing diabetes compared to those who did not receive surgery. The study emphasized that this protective effect was more prominent among younger patients and those with severe PHPT.

Surgery appears to offer metabolic benefits beyond its traditional roles in safeguarding renal and bone health. Elevated parathyroid hormone levels, which result from PHPT, may lead to increased calcium within cells, reducing insulin sensitivity and consequently raising blood sugar levels. Correcting this hormonal imbalance through surgery not only addresses calcium regulation but also improves glucose metabolism.

These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of PHPT. Public awareness remains limited despite the condition’s high prevalence—being the third most common endocrine disorder globally—and its potential impact on metabolic health. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider surgical options as part of comprehensive management strategies for suitable patients, particularly given the broader benefits for metabolic health and diabetes prevention.

The study, published in JAMA Surgery, reinforces the need for increased vigilance and proactive treatment of PHPT to prevent its wide-ranging health consequences.