Hypothyroidism and glucose levels

[maryfran33]

I have been thyroidless for almost 12 years (as well as hypoparathyroid). Glucose levels have usually been in the top part of the range, but lately they've jumped higher. Found one study that indicated hypothyroidism is associated with a faulty increase in hemoglobin A1C levels. This could lead to errors in diagnosing pre diabetes and diabetes.

Does anyone have experience with this? I've been carefully watching my sugar and carbohydrate intake but my hemoglobin A1C levels remain high.

[radd]

maryfran33

If you have abnormal haemoglobin due to things like a variant, certain anaemias or an altered RBC lifespan, the hbA1C can be unreliable because is based upon normal haemoglobin levels.

Fructosamine may be substituted as measures the glucose combined with proteins as opposed to haemoglobin. It is thought to be a slightly less accurate measure as only gives average glycaemic control readings over 2-3 weeks as opposed to 2–3 months.

Just being hypothyroid risks making us more susceptible to diabetes as commonly compromises cortisol levels responsible for helping maintain balanced blood glucose. Also conditions such as insulin & leptin resistance will increase diabetes risk further, and medicating T3 can raise blood sugar levels.

Are you able to take home readings to see if they correlate with hbA1C?

[LeiL]

I could have written this post. I’ve also been thyroidless for 12 years. My problem is that my A1c for the last couple of years have been between 5.2 and 5.4 although my fasting glucose has been between 90-105. The study states: “While thyroid hormone therapy decreases the HBA1C test results, suggesting an improvement of blood sugar control, actual measurements of fasting blood sugars and overall glucose tolerance were unchanged on thyroid hormone therapy.”

My doctor refuses to consider that I may indeed have high blood sugars. Using Cytomel increase my fasting glucose levels and caused massive itching. I also have liver issues. I have no fat in my liver but it continues to harden, I believe due to metabolic issues.