I struggled for years to get diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My TSH was borderline and sothe endocrinologist would not prescribe Thyroxine.
I had to go to a private doctor to get treatment.
Eventually my GP accepted the diagnosis and I have treatment on the NHS.
Now I think I have diabetes. My blood tests have shown pre-diabetes but the GP won't prescribe Metformin.
Has anyone else had this experience.
Is my endocrine system slightly different to most people?
welcome to the forum
Is your thyroid adequately treated
What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results
How much levothyroxine are you taking
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Post all about what time of day to test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing
Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)
monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...
10% off code here
Your metabolism is closely linked to your thyroid health. How much thyroxine are you taking and where are your levels? If your GP tells you your levels are okay, it does not mean much, as they usually only look at TSH (and if you are lucky the T4) and if it is anywhere within the reference range, their job is done.
Most patients need optimum thyroid levels to feel better. Part of the under-active thyroid story is, that your glucose levels can be higher, as your metabolism slows down and your body cannot process glucose as efficiently and hence you can get into the pre-diabetic stage. However, when you have sufficient thyroid hormone replacement, the glucose levels will be normalised again. Hence, taking metformin does not actually address the underlying problem, it just treats a symptom!!
If I was you I would invest in a thyroid test, which tests TSH, T4 and T3 and then you have a good idea where you are with your current level of treatment. Both T4 and T3 levels should be around 75% through the range. I suspect that you are nowhere near this, hence your glucose is higher than it should be and if you would increase your hormone levels, the glucose problem would sort itself out.
I am on 40 Liothyronine and 137.5 Thyroxine. The GP makes me halve a 25 tablet. I was on 150. I am always under pressure to reduce my meds because my TSH is zero
It is completely normal that the TSH gets very low, if you supplement with T3, but GPs always get huffy about that. And sadly, no matter how much you reduce your meds, your TSH most likely remains low if you continue to supplement with T3, it just means that you will have less medicine available for your body!
I would do a test and see what your T4 and T3 levels are and then you can make an informed decision on how to go from there. And don't get pressured to reduce your meds, if the GP hasn't even tested T3 and T4, as you have no idea where these are. TSH is a good tool at diagnosis but once you are on replacement therapy, T4 and T3 should really guide treatment decisions, not the over-reliance on a pituitary hormone.
Thanks that's very helpful
No worries and good luck!
Please add actual results
That’s a high dose
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test
Do you normally split your T3 as 2 or 3 doses per day
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Please add most recent vitamin results and ranges
Hi
I have Hashimotos and just been told I am pre diabetic. A shock as I eat a really healthy diet there is not much sugar or carbohydrate I can cut out. GP has sent me on a pre diabetic course that the NHS do, only been on one and so far, early days, I am already doing all the right things not to be pre diabetic. I am also very slim, always have been.
As far as I know you will not be prescribed Metformin or any other meds until your sugar score goes over 48 which you don't want and they normally suggest lifestyle changes to avoid becoming Diabetic.
I also have too much good cholesterol!! Personally I think all this has something to do with my Thyroid or autoimmune disease. I am going to have a word with my Endo to get her take on it as it seems odd.
I note others have mentioned about checking your Thyroid levels etc which is a good idea.
You could ask your GP about attending a pre diabetic course, it may be of help to you.
Dancer57
Looking at your profile and absolutely dire B12 result last year and extremely low dose levothyroxine
Presumably you are now on B12 injections and daily vitamin B complex
Have you had dose increase in levothyroxine
Strongly recommend you get full thyroid and vitamin testing
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Come back with new post once you get results
Thank you SlowDragon.
This not my post but quick update.
Under a private Endo. Thyroid levels are mid range, Endo thinks that is ok as not to over medicate me. Managed to get NHS to test Active B12 and MMA after not good private results end last year. NHS Active B12 blood test mysteriously disappeared!! Awaiting MMA result!! Total B12 424 NHS think no problem. Not taking B12 until NHS diagnose me with a possible absorption issue.
Anyway, there are other factors which I won't go into here as not my post. I'll do my own separate post with any update.
Thanks.
I have many classic symptoms of diabetes including some complications. I have also cut out a lot of carbohydrates. I know a woman who flies to Poland to get her Metformin because she can't get it prescribed here. It seems like I have to fight with my doctors and consultants again like I have to fight to keep Thyroxine. Are there any private doctors in the UK who will prescribe based on symptoms rather than just a number.
It worth reading up on berberine supplement. Cannot say 100% but I feel it helped me with getting bloods ok for once plus me finally very slowly losing weight. I basically had metabolic syndrome but looks like I'm reversing things. Also exercise, limited alcohol, high protein, 2+ lt of water and sleeping well will have a helped.Berberine is looked upon as a natural version of metformin
Thank you. I have ordered some called Met4min. Is there a brand or strength that you would recommend?
You might find this link on the 'Best berberine supplements to buy in the UK' (article in the Evening Standard, 2 May 2024, which came up in amongst my Google search of Berberine) helpful.
standard.co.uk/shopping/esb...
ETA: Sorry, meant to say thank you to sparkly for putting me onto this ☺️👍💚🦋
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