In light of the announcement of Artificial Pancreas fitted in Type1 diabetes trial by NHS - could an artificial thyroid gland be possible?

[TSH110]

This exciting new development for those with type 1 diabetes made me wonder if an artificial thyroid gland might be possible to develop. If so, let’s hope it’s not set to deliver t4 only

amp.theguardian.com/society...

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I am glad you posted that - I had read earlier and, as always, immediately thought about thyroid.

I suspect that actually measuring T4 and/or T3 (maybe TSH as well) would be a major challenge. Given diogenes post yesterday ( healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... ), we have to be wary of lab tests, let alone ultra-compact devices doing numerous tests, autonomously!

Maybe there are other indicators which could make sense? Whether physical (core temperature, ECG, etc.) or biochemical.

And I'd be very wary of any algorithm that is put forward. It would need to fully accept the mechanisms that diogenes and his colleagues have put forward. That alone might take some effort, given the refusal of the establishment medics to embrace science.

[diogenes Remembering]

There is unfortunately an unsurmountable problem with an artificial thyroid as helvella hinted at. The thyroid is not just a T4 supplier for the body to use. It is also absolutely crucial in matching its direct T3 output to body needs. Upon a time I thought that an artificial thyroid would be feasible but having learned of the complex and intimate relationship of thyroid and body and changes automatically needed in nonthyroidal circumstances, I think the setup of the artifical gland would be no better than taking T4 and T3 orally (but with the advantage that you can better control the entry of hormone into the bloodstream as opposed to the inaccuracies of oral ingestion).

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to diogenes]

Would a dumb dosing device be feasible?

A sort-of dial-a-dose device so that it can be adjusted but would not be capable of deciding on the dose. Thus controlling the dosing better - up to many times a day if that proved to be desirable. But without the complexity you refer to.

[diogenes Remembering in reply to helvella]

That would help, but one has to realise the exact working of the natural thyroid can't be completely copied. As I said, it has to be simple and avoid the extra problems of taking by mouth.

[TSH110 in reply to diogenes]

That’s interesting to know that it’s not really feasible because it is so complex balancing the two hormones at the correct output. Thanks for explaining why.