I have a question about Hypothyroid and type 1 ... - Thyroid UK

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I have a question about Hypothyroid and type 1 diabetes.

ToriOwens17 profile image
7 Replies

My father was a type 1 diabetic. He has two kids me and my sister. Neither of us have diabetes and she's in her late 20s. Im 17 and was diagnosed with hypo a month ago. I first went to the doctors because I was a little underweight, both my parents are small/skinny. They thought it was my thyroid or iron. The did blood work and tested a bunch of things. Blood cell count, iron, vidamins, just a big list of things they checked and the only thing that was out of range was my thyroid. My tsh was 8.09. I'm currently taking 25mcg levothyroxine.

I read up on what hypo is caused from and one of the causes was a autoimmune disease or if a parent had diabetes. I'm wondering if I could become diabetic from this. I'm always always freaking out and scared to death that I will get diabetes because my sister doesn't have it and I feel like one of us have to get it and I already have a thyroid problem now.. whats your opinion.? My doctor said not to worry because I would have already known by now. But people are diagnosed at ages 20 and all the way up to 40.

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ToriOwens17
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7 Replies
Marz profile image
Marz

Maybe take a look at the next post down - posted by humanbean about Dr Malcolm Kendrick...

faith63 profile image
faith63

Type 1 is autoimmune and the only thing you can do is clean up your diet, using the least amount of chemicals..in food and elsewhere and hope that helps.

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi Just as a precaution and with thyroid best to have annual tests for diabetes but I would believe the doc in this case.

best wishes,

jackie

chocoholic17 profile image
chocoholic17

Hi, ToriOwens17,

Well, let me reassure you first. It does NOT automatically follow that you will get Diabetes like your Dad but it's true there is often a genetic link. Although I have Type 1 Diabetes and an autoimmune thyroiditis too, (plus two other autoimmune problems) I am the ONLY person in my family with any autoimmune issues so sometimes it can just strike randomly in a family.

My advice would be to look after yourself dietary wise. Cut down on all processed foods and eat as super healthily as you can. I'm clearing my cupboards right now, to do exactly that myself, as others on this site have recommended.

One last point though, I was 45 years old when I got diagnosed with diabetes, so although it's less rare to get such a late diagnosis, Type 1 can rear its head in older individuals.

I know it's easy to worry about getting some nasty disease if you see your parents deal with something horrible but try not to worry too much. I lost my father to Motor Neurone Disease and although that can be hereditary, (I was told that is NOT an autoimmune condition) it weighed heavy on my mind after he died, wondering if I might get it.

Now, at 57, I have realised, life is too short to worry about things that MIGHT happen. They might not. It's all fate. So, grab life with both hands, make looking after yourself your number one priority and then you are giving yourself the best chance of leading a full and healthy life. You have so much to look forward to at 17.

All the best,

Choccie.

Mouse profile image
Mouse

My father had type 1 diabetes and me and my sister are now in our 50s and neither of us have it but we do have a healthy diet. I have an underactive thyroid which started when I was about 40 so this may be connected. I also used to be very thin.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Hi Toriowens17

I am sorry that you have been diagnosed at such a young age. I understand why you state that you are a hypochondriac in your Profile but I think when your medication is raised and you begin to feel better that you will settle down. We don't want to be obsessive about illnesses but sometimes it is a phase till our hormones are at a dose which suits us.

First, anyone who is on a 25mcg dose of levo will not be feeling much better yet, and I do hope your doctor will raise it soon and keep on raising till your symptoms have gone.

I hope you feel better soon.

KLR22 profile image
KLR22

My dad developed type 1 Diabetes in his twenties and is now 81 (nearly 82). I developed Hashimoto's around the age of 32 and I have read that both thyroid and diabetes problems are connected as they are both endocrinal issues and autoimmune illnesses. You may have thyroid problems but it doesn't mean that you will get diabetes as well. As others have said, try to stay as well as you can (in other words, look after yourself) and try not to worry. There is an opinion that type 1 Diabetes can be caused by a virus but I don't know.

Take care.

Karen

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