Low blood sugar issues with hypothyroidism?

[Cherj]

I am on Levo to control my hypothyroidism. After about 2 years, I am on the right level of medication according to my doctor. I have been having issue with what seems very much like low blood sugar. All the usual symptoms are occurring. Just wondering if anyone else here has this type of issue?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Cherj

I am on Levo to control my hypothyroidism. After about 2 years, I am on the right level of medication according to my doctor.

Please post the results of your latest tests, with their reference ranges, and members will tell you if you are optimally medicated. Doctors just see a result anywhere within range and tell us that is fine, they don't seem to understand the concept of "optimal" is where we need to be to feel well.

Please post results for

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Optimal levels of vitamins are needed for thyroid hormone to work properly so it's important to test those as well.

[Malteser56]

Hello Cherj,

I definitely suffer from a big drop in sugar levels, seems to be every day around 12, 12.30, and I have checked it with a tester and sure enough it is very low, leaving me feeling shaky, pale, sweaty from the back of my neck, almost faint, then I have something to eat, within 10 minutes I feel ok again, not sure what is causing this, I have an under active thyroid, and am taking 25 Levothyroxine,

[JumpJiving]

Yes, but only occasionally. I've not associated it with my being hypothyroidal. I'm not sure that there is a link, let alone a causal link. I don't know if anybody else can confirm?

[Hormone-hell]

I also get episodes of low blood sugar, thanks to the advice on here I have found; starting the day with a protein rich meal, eating regular small meals, probiotics and Vitamin D (because I was insufficient) have helped lessen the episodes. But I have found it is also related to my levels.

I hope this helps.

[humanbean]

Hypothyroidism affects cortisol levels.

Cortisol affects blood sugar levels (amongst other things).

Do a web search for "cortisol and blood sugar". Both high cortisol and low cortisol can affect blood sugar. If you are diabetic or have insulin resistance that may be tied up with cortisol and blood sugar too. Although I know these things are all related, I am not knowledgeable enough to actually explain anything, sorry.

[Nico101]

yes. i've had horrendous problems with my blood sugars. going high fat low carb sorted it out for me.

[Cherj]

Thanks for the tips, will keep them in mind. I seem to get it mostly on the weekend when I go longer without eating. During the week I try to control by having small high protein /fat, low carb snacks every couple of hours. It is annoying and a bit scary. Just wondering if it's worth seeing my gp, as they have been difficult at the best of times trying to get my thyroid sorted. I've heard most nondiabetic people with low blood sugar can control it with diet. I have had my blood sugars tested recently, and it came back normal. Thanks for the info!

[KT77 in reply to Cherj]

Hypoglycemia and hypothyroid goes hand in hand. Thyroid and liver are connected and when one doesn't work the other is affected. When you are hypo your liver can't do the job properly and is not releasing glycogen efficiently which results in blood sugar dysregulation. Heal your thyroid and you will heal your liver too. You need to be optimally medicated for that. Until then you have to regulate blood sugar yourself with food. Which means frequent meals with all 3 macros - carbs, protein and fat. And no coffee or tea on empty stomach : )

[Bramble83]

I would ask for a 9am cortisol test if I were you; if your hypothyroidism is well controlled, the other thing that causes hypoglycaemia is low cortisol.

A cheap and simple 8-9am cortisol test, which any GP can do, will rule out any cortisol / adrenal problems just to be certain 😀

[Batty1]

I started having random sugar issues after my thyroidectomy 3yrs ago and all my sugar test come back good.

I have issues a couple of hours after eating I shake,slurr my speech and cant walk straight I've tried different combos of food waited longer to walk and it's still happens...like im drunk. It's strange and scary feeling.

[kferrer]

It's a more or less constant problem for me. In my case, it's probably exacerbated by low adrenal function.

In any case, when you are low on thyroid hormone, your insulin doesn't clear as quickly as it should and hangs around in your bloodstream trying to get blood sugar into cells long after it's job should be done.

This lingering presence of insulin inhibits the production of glucagon, which would move blood sugar levels back up to keep them in the normal range.