How does your thyroid affect your diabetes?

It turns out that type 2 diabetes and thyroid issues tend to co-exist. It is common for people who have diabetes to have thyroid problems and people who have thyroid problems to have diabetes. Thyroid hormone controls metabolism and energy expenditure. It is directly involved in the control of insulin secretion and glucose or blood sugar balance. 

High thyroid or hyperthyroid causes insulin to be excreted from the body faster than it should and can cause high blood sugar. It can cause weight loss even if you are eating your usual meal plan. Many of your systems are being run at a higher rate than normal.

Low thyroid hormone or hypothyroid reduces your metabolic rate, the rate at which your carbs, protein and fat are used for fuel. Low thyroid is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity which leads to insulin resistance.

Low thyroid can make it difficult to lose weight and even lead to moderate weight gain.  It can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if you have pre-diabetes. It also keeps medications and insulin in the blood stream longer and can lead to low blood sugar.

Symptoms of high and low thyroid:

High or hyperthyroid:

• pounding heart
• fast pulse
• weight loss despite normal eating
• shortness of breath with exercise
• muscle weakness or tremors
• trouble concentrating

 Low or hypothyroid:

• fatigue
• feeling cold
• dry skin
• slower reflexes
• brittle hair
• weight gain with no change in normal eating
• low blood pressure or slow pulse

Type 2 diabetes can reduce and interfere with activating thyroid hormone. When type 2 diabetes is poorly managed, it leads to insulin resistance. This insulin resistance can then cause problems with the thyroid gland itself. 

Here are 4 things you can do:

1. Exercise helps stimulate thyroid gland secretion and increases tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone. It prevents the decrease in metabolic rate. It also helps lower blood sugar levels.
2. Manage your food plan as best you can – remember, reduce carbs to get your blood sugar in control
3. If you are experiencing symptoms of high or low thyroid, talk to your doctor about getting screened for thyroid. It’s hard enough to get and keep your blood sugar in control without the additional effects of thyroid.
4. I also encourage you to get your eyes checked on a regular basis. You want to do your best to avoid retinopathy that, with poorly managed diabetes, can lead to blindness.  Hyperthyroid can lead to eye and vision problems as well.
   
   

Dr Elaine

Download my free 30 Day Guide to Manage or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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