Is there a raised risk of Diabetes with a under active thyroid ?

[rosaann52]

I have had a under active thyroid for 13 year's ...with ME,CFS, and Fybro running along side....Recently I have had Oral thrush which is not responding to treatment I now have to be test for Diabetes.....could they all be linked...

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

This paper might be of some interest:

Journal of Thyroid Research Volume 2011 (2011),

Article ID 152850, 9 pages

doi:10.4061/2011/152850

Review Article

Why Can Insulin Resistance Be a Natural Consequence of Thyroid Dysfunction?

Gabriela BrentaDepartment of Endocrinology, Dr. César Milstein Hospital, La Rioja 951, C1221ACI, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Received 21 April 2011; Accepted 5 July 2011

Abstract

Evidence for a relationship between T4 and T3 and glucose metabolism appeared over 100 years ago when the influence of thyroid hormone excess in the deterioration of glucose metabolism was first noticed. Since then, it has been known that hyperthyroidism is associated with insulin resistance. More recently, hypothyroidism has also been linked to decreased insulin sensitivity. The explanation to this apparent paradox may lie in the differential effects of thyroid hormones at the liver and peripheral tissues level.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of thyroid hormones in glucose metabolism and analyze the mechanisms whereby alterations of thyroid hormones lead to insulin resistance.

<Full paper available at link>

hindawi.com/journals/jtr/20...

Some years ago, a prolific poster in another place (USA-based) would repeatedly insist that in many ways hypothyroidism was very like diabetes without the specific glucose control issue. And, similarly, diabetes has a lot in common with hypothyroidism.

Rod

[rosaann52 in reply to helvella]

Thanks very much I'll read with interest.....

[rosaann52]

Thanks very much I'll read with interest.....

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to rosaann52]

Welcome.

If you click on the blue "reply to this" then your reply gets indented under the response your are replying to, and the poster gets an email alert.

Rod

[Jackie]

Hi Yes, you should always have at least annual Diabetes blood tests, It is hormonal and autoimmune, and to start with the same symptoms of Hypo. It is just as important as the other annual tests for related things

Best wishes,

Jackie.

[rosaann52 in reply to Jackie]

Thanks Jackie...don't think my doctor has ever tested me for diabetes when my throid has been checked...if he did it was never mentioned.

[Jackie in reply to rosaann52]

Hi When having any blood tests, always ask exactly what is being tested, from the Phlebotomist, ( or nurse etc ) they have to by law tell you if asked, otherwise it is an assault. You are also entitled to a print out of all bloods done+ ranges, ( receptionist GP, secretary,consultant) this is because it is your blood, NOT the data protection law. It is very useful to keep and refer to. If it is thyroid or my other relevant drugs ( on lots), I always keep a note by the result what I am taking at that time. Also if seeing other consultants, take the tests with you, just the latest.Make sure you also have the other annual tests with thyroid disease, iron/ferritin ( needs to be well in range) B12 + foliates , also autoimmune and hormonal,needs to be high in range,and most important Vit D( hormonal) , if under range, a corrected calcium test before treatment.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[rosaann52 in reply to Jackie]

Oh my goodness if only I'd been aware of that before...never knew any of that... I certainly will be printing your message out so I can take it with me and I'll beable to remember every thing I need to ask ...Thanks so much...

[Jackie in reply to rosaann52]

Hi the Statement below reminded me, keep an eye on BP and especially cholesterol, see below.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Agapanthus]

I was very interested in this question as I often talk with someone I know who started hypothyroid, then became diabetic, and has now ended up with a heart issue and had a stent put in. She is significantly overweight, and says she used to be very thin.

I have been hypo about as long as she has I reckon, but am working hard on not ending up in the same direction. I eat a Paleo diet, with low carbs and virtually no sugar and even low fruit. I am also gluten free. Whilst I really struggle to lose the extra weight I gained, I have managed to lose 1.5stone of it, and being on T3 only seems to be helping a bit too so far.

[Jackie in reply to Agapanthus]

Hi Do not be mislead by weight in relationship to diabetes, it is well known, however, I am very underweight, Hashi, and very diabetic.The hearty problems can go with too much or too little T3, blood test for FT3, if on high T4 and it does not convert properly in the body, common, or if on T3 for this reason and over range.It is also important to check BP and cholesterol, often if cholesterol high the thyroid is inadequately treated BP too. Of course , not always so.Annual tests for cholesterol too.

[Jackie in reply to Agapanthus]

Sorry my reply "escaped before I finished. I meant heart, I wish it was "hearty!",

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Thyroidmeg]

Hi yes you you are at risk of other autoimmune disorders like diabeties the doctor tests that every year along with the thyroid tests

[rosaann52 in reply to Thyroidmeg]

Thank you all for your helpful comments... can't believe that in the past 13 years my Doctor has never tested me before....seem's another case of 'patient heal thy self'...

[Thyroidmeg]

I get an annual test and this year I said why do you always take 2 lots of blood and she told me it was to test for diabeties liver cholesterol etc

They wouldn't test t3 tho unfortunately !

[Jackie in reply to Thyroidmeg]

hi the FT3 test is a nightmare. I do resent having to keep paying for it. It is not the docs but a decision by lots of Lab managers!! Just cost., not safety!

Best wishes,

Jackie