Diabetes-Hypothyroidism Link
Go away. You probably don’t want to bother reading this.
Still here, huh? Well, I just had a doctor’s visit, and I want to record what he told me before I forget it. If you care about the link between diabetes and hypothyroidism, go ahead and read on.
Dr. Lampugnale’s office referred me to an edocrinologist, Dr. Abourizk, who directs St Francis Hospital’s Diabetes Care Center. I was referred because after I was diagnosed with diabetes in May, I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in December; we want to find out if there is some underlying issue causing my endocrine glands to malfunction.
We don’t yet have answers to that question (I have some tests scheduled), but I did learn a bit about the potential link between these diseases. First of all, the type of hypothyroidism I have is what’s known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which means that my immune system is creating antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO). These antibodies are attacking my thyroid gland, gradual causing its destruction. So it sounds as though, barring some medical breakthrough, I will be on thyroid medicine for the rest of my life. I didn’t ask about possibilities of this being reversed. I imagine that with my immune system causing the problem, the most we can do is counteract the effects.
Since my immune system is attacking one endocrine gland, there is an elevated risk that it might be attacking another one, namely my pancreas. Something called GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase, thanks Google) antibodies can attack the islet cells of the pancreas, decreasing production of insulin.
This would not match my diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, which is a problem in the use of insulin, not in its production. But it’s possible that I’m going through a slow onset of Type 1 diabetes, in which case I will at some point become dependent upon insulin. We’ll know more after two tests I’ll have at the end of the month, one testing for GAD antibodies and another scanning the pancreas itself for unusual growth.
I learned several other things in this visit: Hashimoto’s disease is significantly more common among women than men, and has a strong genetic component. If the immune system is attacking these endocrine glands, the adrenal glands are often in for some rough treatment as well. (The first symptom would be loss of appetite; no problem there.) Finally, I learned some about the relationship between the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. The pituitary releases thyrotropin, a thyroid-stimulating hormone, also known as TSH. TSH induces the thyroid to create the hormone thyroxine (T4) as well as others. This T4 then inhibits the pituitary’s release of TSH, in a negative feedback loop. The most sensitive check for thyroid functioning is the check for TSH, since a drop of 50% in T4 corresponds to an 800% increase in TSH. The normal TSH range is 0.5 - 4 mIU/L. My reading was 9.75 mIU/L. I don’t have a sense of how bad that is, except that I’m now on the lowest dose of synthetic thyroid hormone generally prescribed. (And that mathematically, if the top of the normal range is eight times the bottom, having a level 2.5 times that of the top of the range might not be that bad.)
It sounds as though hypothyroidism won’t complicate the treatment of my diabetes, but it is likely to make certain of its symptoms worse. It’s going to be harder to lower my blood pressure, although today’s 105/88 reading is encouraging. It may also make it more difficult to lose weight. After losing 45 pounds in six months, I put eight back on in short order. Now I’ve taken three of those back off, but it’s very slow going. And hypothyroidsm may create cholesterol problems, although my cholesterol has been very good. Dr. Abourizk discussed putting me on statins. He’s very gung-ho on statins, and an article about the uses of statins, originaly published in the Hartford Courant with quotes from and a picture of Dr. Abourizk, is prominently displayed in his office. I will have to do more research first.
Still, I really am feeling old! I’m going to need one of those weekly pillboxes. 
February 17th, 2005 at 10:17 am
[…] not getting enough exercise, I guess. The other news has to do with my hypothyroidism. I reported last month that there was concern that the Hashimoto& […]
April 22nd, 2005 at 5:38 pm
I have known that I have Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism) for a long time now. But just recently I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I was wondering about the link between the two. Being that both are auto immune disorders. And does that put me at risk for more auto immune disorders.
I have known I was hypothyroid since I was twenty-two years old. It was discovered by accident. I was having some knee pain. And the doctor x-rayed my knee and didn’t really see anything. Then she said that i might want to lose some weight. Because weight can casue joint pain. Well I had been over weight pretty much since puberty. And at eighteen gave birth to my first child.
In talking about weight, she felt on my neck. Then she said “well let me check something”. So she sent me to the lab. And in a few days, she called me saying that me thyroid wasn’t working properly.
I came back in and had the whole work up. And then I wasn’t diabetic. And the endocrinologist checked me every so often and I haven’t been. Now I am thirty-two and I have just been diagnosed.
I have an awful time trying to lose weight. I am even considering weight loss surgery. I was told by my endocrinologist that if I lose just ten percent of my body fat that I could probably come off my metformin. Well easier said than done.
If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Rita Kelley
May 3rd, 2005 at 10:39 am
I don’t know that I can offer any help, but you’ve certainly got my best wishes. Losing weight is a long drawn-out process, and can’t really be rushed. I was hoping to hit the doctor’s 75-pound recommendation within a year; there’s no hope for that now. Maybe 15 months…
Good luck!
— Scott
February 21st, 2007 at 12:13 am
Rita,
In the research that I’ve done, you will not lose weight while on that medication. I have Type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism and I told my doctor that I will never go on the medicine for diabetes. I regulate my blood sugar with diet alone. I was doing really well with losing weight until I got the hypothyroidism. I hoping that once we get the medicine for that regulated then the weight will start to come off again.
Do a little research on the medication.
Good luck
Terri
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 am
Last year I was told I have high tsh 7.14. I went on meds and then stopped not knowing much about the problem. This year I went for my yearly and found it was up to 13.5. I started back on sythyroid and after a month I started getting super tired achy joints, neck stiffness. I had a ultrasound done everything is fine there. My antibodies are in the 38 and 39. I am 40 years old and for the last 10 or more years I have been in and out of depression. My question is; Is it always Hashimoto’s that attacks the thyroid? Or is there other diseases that causes the immune system to attack it also. This is confusing but I am happy to have an answer to all the years of stomach issues etc……
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 am
Last year I was told I have high tsh 7.14. I went on meds and then stopped not knowing much about the problem. This year I went for my yearly and found it was up to 13.5. I started back on sythyroid and after a month I started getting super tired achy joints, neck stiffness. I had a ultrasound done everything is fine there. My antibodies are in the 38 and 39. I am 40 years old and for the last 10 or more years I have been in and out of depression. My question is; Is it always Hashimoto’s that attacks the thyroid? Or is there other diseases that causes the immune system to attack it also. This is confusing but I am happy to have an answer to all the years of stomach issues etc……
November 17th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I was treated for Hashimoto’s disease with radioactive iodine treatments to kill the gland over 30 years ago. Living with Hypothyrodism and daily pills of synthyroid have worked fine for me. I watch EVERYTHING I put in my mouth everyday of my life. I’ve managed to keep my weight under control. But, it is a struggle everyday. HOWEVER, in the last two or three weeks, I’ve lost about 15 pounds. I have not changed my diet at all. I’ve been terribly thirsty, which made me wonder about the posibility of diabetes. I’ve worn glasses for over two years. Now, I can see close up, but everything else is blurred. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled, but not for another two weeks. I’ve NEVER in my life worried about losing weight. I’ve always worried about gaining it and maintaining it. I’m scared about gaining the weight back with more if the doctors put me on something.
Can someone give me some advice and guidance? I had no idea that diabetes and hypothyroidism were connected until I found this website. I’d appreciate any advice or information.
Thanks
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:47 am
Sorry I didn’t see this before. I have no real advice. The link between diabetes and hypothyroidism is simply that both the pancreas and the thyroid are endocrine glands. Anything which is generally debilitating the endocrine system could cause both conditions. I don’t think there is much more of a link than that. In my case, tests showed that it was essentially coincidence.
However losing fifteen pounds in a few weeks sounds serious, and you definitely want to follow up with your doctor about that. I wouldn’t wait for a scheduled appointment. Call right away and ask if the doctor wants to see you sooner because of the weight loss.
Good luck.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I really found this site to be very helpful and full of good information. Thank you for taking the time to post this info. I look forward to you writing again soon.
May 31st, 2008 at 11:44 am
I sometimes feel like the only one with diabetes and hypothyroidism. There really isn’t that much information out there. I wish the ADA and Thyroid assoc. would get together and create an info page. I have so many questions.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Came across this article on internet..
hi
just came across this article on internet
virgin coconut oil helps in losing weight
HI,
I would like to share my exp with you all suffering from thyroid.
I have had SEVERELY low thyroid for nearly two years now , I did NOT want to end up taking Synthroid. When came to know about VCO (Virgin coconut oil ) from my friend, I was so excited to try the Coconut Oil. I took 3 tablespoons a day and within two months, I returned to my physician and she just couldn’t believe that EVERYTHING on my tests was once again normal! She was so enthused that she has prescribed your product to three other thyroid patients since then. Your product took me out of the doom and gloom I suffered for so very long! My muscles have returned to normal… The depression, hoarse voice, swollen face/eyes and all my other symptoms have disappeared! there are many brand available in market you need to choose the right one I have been using MeritVCO. Manufactured by www.excelcombine.com
Here is what you should see for an Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:
Colourless and crystal clear.
Light, fresh coconut aroma
Natural Coconut taste
Quick absorption
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June 19th, 2008 at 5:03 am
[…] hypothyroidism for a long time now. But just recently I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. …http://scott.sauyet.com/thoughts/archives/2005/01/11/diabetes-hypothyroidism-link/Pediatric Advisor 2006.2: Hypothyroidism Acquired TypeWhat is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a […]
January 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Did you know that thyroid health is a concern for nearly 11 million Americans? And, a healthy thyroid supports healthy weight and cholesterol?
January 18th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Hello,
Thanks, great information, sharing and caring. I have been on Synthroid for over 20 years. I believe that aside from IT being a money cow, it has many side affects. It may cause the other endocrine glands to malfunction over time. I see and Endocinologist once a year and wouldn’t you think she would test my other functions? Oh No, let’s spread the fortune around and see a separate physician for each complaint! And, if I could have been placed on a natural thyroid hormone, my own thyroid may have regained function on its own. Oh!, but insurance doesn’t cover that! Furthermore, take a look at the error in Blood lab results. Thyroid function should be tested through saliva only for accuracy. When I presented this to the Endo Specialist she looked at me as if I were from outer space. Take a look folks. Let me know if anyone else agrees.
Thanks
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 am
I have both. A few comments.
Thank God for Armour Thyroid - MUCH better than Synthroid.
Most docs have numbers that are waaaay off in terms of what they consider “normal”
Do yourselves a favor and go here - http://thyroid.about.com/
Lots of good information!
April 1st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Each one takes the decision about what they ingest. But I do think that medicine today is overrated. If everybody knew what drugstore pharmacy medications actually do to themselves, pharmacy medications would stop being so popular and so sold because people wouldn’t like to do that to themselves anymore.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Have to say, “I have some genuine concern about my mother, who’s 82, and her Type II diabetes and our family connection with hypothyroidism”. I know that hypothyroidism can be passed from generation to generation. All my life I’ve dealt with Ichthyosis and as a child I was unmercilessly teased about the scaliness and look of my skin. I had ecxema, asthma, chronic sinus infections and terrible allergies. Since my mother has diabetes and almost losing her to this disease, I now have deep concern about our offsprings not getting correct diagnosis for skin, allergies, infections and maybe even resulting in diabetes, etc. that could possibly go along with thyroid/glandular issues. What really concerns me is that when T3/T4 tests are done (as was for my mother) indicating in normal range and from what I understand is that “What is normal for one individual, may not indicate a complete and correct diagnosis of these issues”. As for my Ichthyosis, I started on a regimen of raw thyroid about a month ago and my skin has improved 85% which is a miracle as I had a severe case of Ichthyosis. For 62 years I have dealt with issues that I now firmly believe may very well be connected with many of my own maladies and maybe even an progression to diabetes. How many thousands of dollars and suffering may have been attributed to thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, thymus and spleen glandular issues by well-intended doctors misdiagnosing many, many diseases and maybe even to include Lupus? When any of our tiny, important glands goes haywire, the checklist is so HUGE for the havoc is wreaks on our all over health and surely robs us of a good quality of life or even as much shortens our lives as well as potentially our families quality of life. I certainly hope my comments here can help someone out there who may be dealing with the many, many diseases created by glandular disorders. Our glands may very well be the culprit of many health issues. Maybe and hopefully someone else out there can help shed some light on how important it is to get a correct diagnosis as early as possible. Since there may also be a link to heredity and if we can shed light on these issues, it could potentially help us and our loved ones live a better quality of life. I personally being born with a predisposition to asthma, allergies, Ichthyosis and depression (don’t know if the depression was as a result of being bullied about my condition or if it was maybe from glandular disorders and possibly even both). I do so hope that I or anyone else out there can help address how hypothyroidism is or could be a direct link to a predisposition to diabetes. One thing I’m certain from my own personal experience, is that an individual doesn’t have to have each and every symptom that’s listed at: http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basis_starthere/a/hypochecklist.htm
to be at risk. Note: This site is only checklist for HYPOthyroidism NOT HYPERthyroidism, for HYPERthyroidism go to and search:
http://thyroid.about.com to find a checklist for hyperthyroidism. A good suggestion would be to consult an Endocrinologist if your current doctor can’t seem to give you a clear resolution to your health issues. Remember T3/T4 tests in normal range certainly need further investigation by an expert if symptoms persist with conventional treatment. Poor functioning of any of these important tiny little glands and their seemingly devastating physical and emotional effect is a call to action even T3/T4 tests show you’re in the normal range. Hope some of my research helps even one person and that someone else has had any of their own successes that might shed some light on these problems.
April 16th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I am 37. For a while now I have had the following symptoms and every doctor I’ve seen has told me everything is within normal ranges so nothing is wrong with me.
- weight gain I can’t control
- sensitivity to cold
- puffiness in my face
- cysts on my ovary
- irregular periods
- skin tags
- anger and mood swings
- hair loss on top of my head, hair growth on my chin and upper lip
- frequent gas
- always tired, lethargic and sleepy especially after eating any kind of carb
- after I eat a carb I get dizzy, light-headed, tired, yawning, irritable, unable to focus, blurry vision, excessive thirt and constant urination
- achy joints and muscles
- no libido
- dry skin, dry hair yet really oily face and acne
- brittle nails
- tingling extremities
- bouts of vertigo
- increased infections- sinus, ear etc
- waist bloating despite doing situps every day- look five months pregnant no matter what I weigh
- difficulty sleeping sometimes
- anxious and depressed one minute, quick to anger and screaming the next
- pain in my ovary and in left breast
- pain in my lower right abdomen that feels like intense gas buildup (no ovary there, had it removed due to cyst)
None of my doctors can tell me what’s wrong. The endo I tried to see yesterday told me it’s psychiatric. My Gyn says I don’t have PCOS because I am 5′2 1/2 and weigh 128 pounds (I used to weigh 108 only 12 years ago). I exercise every day, drink nothing but water, don’t eat sweets and barely eat any carbs at all. I’m tored of constantly feeling like I’m in a fog all day and especially after I eat. I’ve seen a GI doctor who reluctantly put me on Nexium and I takle a daily probiotic. I’m also lactose intolerant.
I’m so frustrated and tired of getting nowhere with these doctors. Do I have hypothyroidism and some form of insulin resistance/diabetes/hypoglycemia/PCOS…and if so how do I treat it? What do I eat to make this all go away? How cna I lose these 20 pounds even though I’m already exercising and eating right? >>>
April 17th, 2009 at 8:03 am
This reply to Anne Marie Rose: Try Raw Thyroid, many of your symptoms are mimicking some type of glandular issue. I don’t have as many of the issues you indicated, I do have allergies, Ichthyosis, allergies, depression, sinus infections (all in that category). After taking Raw Thyroid by Natural Sources, 1 tab/day with meal and a glass of water, for about 3 weeks (this is not an advertisement, as you can see by my last response, I was careful not to mention what I was taking because I wanted to come across as sincere about this important issue), all of my symptoms are subsiding. Google Raw Thyroid and there are many websites for discounted Raw Thyroid. I personally like Natural Sources since it is a Synergistic Complex of all the glandular tissues. With this in mind, be sure to eat lots of raw vegetables and include good food sources high in protein. Also, I suggest to get a second opinion from a different Endocrinologist, however, I know they are far and few between. The issues you are experiencing, from what I can tell, cannot be all in your head because you have way too many physical issues pointing to some type of glandular problem.
July 26th, 2009 at 3:46 am
[…] A life in the day » Diabetes-Hypothyroidism LinkGo away. You probably don?t want to bother reading this. Still here, huh? Well, I just had a doctor?s visit, and I want to record what he told me before I forget it.Thyroid Disease and DiabetesEven subclinical hypothyroidism can exacerbate the coexisting dyslipidemia commonly found in type 2 diabetes and further increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. […]
August 5th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Hi, I have had Hashimoto’s for 17 years but it went three undiagnosed which led to 20 pounds of weight gain and depression, constipation, irritability, etc. I take synthroid. Anyway, recently I have been having what I think are blood sugar issues. I feel light-headed just two hours after eating. Strangely, in a recent blood test I had elevated fasting insulin levels, and lots of flora in my urine. I think it’s pre-diabetes, which happens a lot in hypothyroid patients, even under treatment. Any ideas?
October 4th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Hi,
I would get your doctor to check your AC1 level as soon as possible.
About two years ago I had a realy good physical. I was telling the doctor about feeling a bit run down and that I noticed my skin was getting dry, and that there were some days when I had no energy. She ran several blood tests, did a venus doppler on my legs, and an one on my thyroid.
The results came back, my veins are ok, but I now have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and she place me on Leveothyroxin. I have been on this med for two years now and I really dont feel much different but my TH levels are much better, actually normal. I went in for some routine blood work two months ago and get a call from my doctor and she wants to see me. Then I get the news that i have Type II diabetes; my AC1 was really high, and I am now taking Metformin.
I do not like this med because I am having stomach aches (and I do take it with food) and I get really bad diarrhea. Isn’t there something else I can take?
I am testing every morning and I am startting to notice that if I eat past 8pm at night my readings in the morning are higher. The lowest my readings have been are 143 and the highest 301, (that was because I tested soon after eating, just to see)
I also have a famly hisotry of adult on set diabetes, my Uncle got it in his 40’s, my sister too, and now I found out that my dad also has it. None of them take insulin injections, but all take Metformin like me.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I was diagnosed with hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 1995 at 15 years old. I have been taking synthroid ever since, and occasionally my medication needs to be adjusted, but I recently discovered that there is a link between thyroid disease and diabetes. I am concerned I may be pre diabetic, and I had suspisions in the past of possible hypoglycemia. The doctor I spoke to about my symptoms at the time blew it of as all in my head and “they make medications for that” It made me so mad! a few years ago I bought a meter from walgreens, and I periodically test myself. Sometimes I go as low as 51, and my highest was over 200 (after a party and lots of food) but my average is between 94 and 149 at any time of day. I stay on top of my thyroid condition, having it tested a few times a year, and am wondering about the a1c and if this test would be indicated for someone like me, to determine if I need further evaluation….
Thanks for your website.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I should also mention that I have two children. I was tested negative for gestational diabetes both times. My younger is about to be 6 months old. She was born preterm with critically low blood sugar (28) and had to spend the 1st 24 hrs in nicu. it is my understanding that this usually occurs when the mother is diabetic. I was re-tested 6 weeks after her birth because of this with a gtt and was normal…..
December 13th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I have just recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and on the lowest treatment dose. I am suppose to be tested every six weeks but I work out of the country and getting the results for the second test 6 months on.
I feel very tired all the time. I recently hurt my knee and it is taking much longer than normal to heal which is worrying. I have in the last few days developed a thirst. I can only imagine this might be a symptom of pre-diabetes. I did use a urine strip last night which produced a negative result. I have not been successful at losing weight even though I am quite active.
I am male which is strange as the vast majority of people with these problems are women. So, I’m not sure why my hormones should be in such a jumble.
It would be nice if there was more information about the combination of hypothyroidism and diabetes.
Do we live normal life spans? I haven’t asked my doctor as I am not sure if I want the answer to this question.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Wow! I am another one that can say I thought I was the only one going through this. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2005 after many years of fighting a losing battle withbeing overweight.Then a few months later diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I was totally suprised I had an A1C at that time of 10.5. now I have A1C as high as 13.9 crazy huh, daily blood sugars go as high as 609. Yes I am insulin dependent.But what is so discouraging to me is a few months ago,I was at my doc appt. and in talking with my doc I let her know how frustrated I am about the weight gain, not being able to lose weight. She ask how I was feeling, I said terrible, sluggish,tired,achy and so on. Told her I was stressed , looking for employment with no luck. Now the real good part, her response to me was “well I wouldn’t hire you either if you came to me looking for a job, look at you!. Look at your appearance.You need to lose some weight too. You need to go home and watch biggest loser and when you excercise as much as those people then we can say that it is not because of yor illnesses or medications”.
Good one huh!!. Thats what we have to deal with, people with diabetes and hashimotos, basically your overweight cause you wanna be. Oh well needless to say I am looking for a new Doctor.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for the site.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hi you guys, i know how you all feel about the cold and being tired,but am i the exception to the rule, having an underactive thryoid i have not gain weight at all, on the flip side of the coin i have glaucoma and am now being tested for diabetes, are all of these linked some how, there is not enough info form the doctors
February 1st, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I’ve been told I’m borderline for both (started as hypoglycemia). Basically, any symptoms I have get written off by my doctor because my test results are right at the edge. I relate to a lot of the above, but let me ask about one thing that I haven’t seen addressed anywhere- How is your memory? For decades, I have had memory problems. I’m not talking about little things, I’m talking about not remembering people that clearly knew me for years, or having very little memory of school (grade, highschool, college). I go on vacation and can’t talk about it a year later because I don’t remember. I’m wondering if it has anything to do with the combination of hypothyroidism and diabetes. Anyone??